The 144,000 Truth (Part 7 of 7)

As we wind up our 7 part post study, we will summarize the witnesses and then close with the final summary.

Let’s begin with why this subject is important to understand. In part 2 of our study, we pointed out how Ellen White was given her first vision , and how it was about the 144,000 Adventists who made it up the narrow path toward the kingdom. God in His infinite wisdom began His first lesson on this  important subject- the 144,000.

Then later He gave us the promised “Elijah” to come– brother Victor T. Houteff. The very first words written from the Rod message was, “It is the intention of this book to reveal the truth of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7..” And then again, “THIS publication contains only one main subject with a double lesson; namely, the 144,000, and a call for reformation.”(Srod , vol. 1.  preface and introduction).

As we pointed out in our study, brother Houteff on more than one occasion likened the understanding of this issue as a matter of salvation. In other words, as the main purpose of the Shepherd’s Rod writings is to get a clear conception of the 144,000 Truth and to reform, we cannot escape the fact that if we fail to rightly understand the truth in this area, we could very well be in a precarious position spiritually.

Ok let us summarize each of the witnesses.

Bonnie Smith– 

Her testimony brought out the fact that M.J. Bingham was the one who taught the doctrine of “those with” not brother Houteff. And that Don Adair subsequently learned of this teaching through Bingham. Her testimony refuted the “those with” doctrine of others surviving the Ezekiel 9 church judgment.

Ellen White–

Our founding church prophetess established that God began the church with a subject that obviously is of supreme importance– the 144,000. She further identified that “those with” will include those who were faithful to the present truth taught in EGW’s day. She said, “Your work, my work shall not cease with this life. For a little while we may rest in the grave, but, when the call comes, we shall in the kingdom of God, take up our work once more”(Testimonies, vol. 7, p.17). She never spoke of any other “those with” company.

Further, Spirit of Prophecy gave us this important instruction– “Let us strive with all power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand.” (March 9, 1905)

The Shepherd’s Rod Volumes —

We began our 3rd session with the reference that pointed out how very important it is to know the truth about the 144,000.

“If we do not understand the subject of the 144,000, we may not be sealed, for it would be worthless to understand it after the sealing, just as it would be of no value to understand the beast and his image after his work on earth is finished.” (SRod,  Vol. 1 p.14)

This is why we cannot guess or study this issue “half-way”. We must put our whole heart into knowing this subject. If we call ourselves “Davidian” and do not have a clear conception of this issue, who we kidding? Surely not God.

The prophet said, “No one by beginning to study a subject from the middle, backward or forward, can learn its continuity and know what it is all about. If one is to learn the full truth of a subject, he must study it in its entirety.” (TG, vol. 1, no. 5, p.3)

We saw clear and unmistakable evidence supporting only 144,000 surviving the church judgment. There was 12 references for only 144,000 escaping and 1 reference that may appear to indicate others surviving. However, even that one doesn’t hold up well when we analyze the full context and setting of what is said.

Further as pointed out, when we have such strong and solid evidence on one side of the issue, how can we try and make the 12 fit the 1? No, it cannot be, and must be the other way around.

The Tracts —

In these witnesses, we continue to see a large preponderance of evidence supporting only 144,000 escaping the judgment. There were 2 quotes that “appear” to say that others survive. But again, upon a thorough look at these verses they do not stand solid in that view.  There are 10 references that clearly show the opposite view. Bottomline these witnesses stand for only 144,000 surviving.

The Symbolic Codes and The Answerer–

In session number 5 we found some detailed views on our subject. There were 9 references supporting only 144,000 escaping and 2 references appearing to show the possibility of “those with” surviving. The evidence continues to mount from the testimonies for only 144,000 escaping.

The Timely Greetings and The Jezreel Letters–

As our last session showed, we examined the valuable sermon addresses (Timely Greetings) and the final unrolling of the scroll on our subject (Jezreel Letters).

In reviewing these last witnesses we found 14 references supporting no “those with” the 144,000 escaping Ezek. 9. We found 2 references that appear to show the possibility of some others surviving.

Conclusion —

There are two different ways we can conclude this issue. First, by adding up all the references and then looking at them in what is known as “progressive light”. In other words, the first words (earliest dates) do not hold as much truth or final say on a matter as the last words (latest dates) do. In particular, this issue of the “those with”  is actively being taught by the latest well-known proclaimer, Lennox  Sam (Wavesheaf Ministry).

As  a believer in this progressive light theory, he attempts to build the case for the “those  with”by producing evidence that brother Houteff wrote clearer views on this subject in the late 40’s and then reprinted some TG’s supporting the “those with” idea in 1953.

However, this theory is dismantled when we see that the Jezreel Letter, no.5, written in either 1953 or 1954 states the following clear and solid view of Inspiration on this issue. (Note: this was fresh writings from the prophet at that time, NOT reprints)

“Why are you Elders jubilantly bringing the multitudes into the churches if you positively know that only 144,000 out of a vast multitude of church members are to be worthy of salvation? Why are you giving them hope of a home in the Kingdom if you positively know that they cannot be saved? Is not such an in-gathering outright deception and the greatest endeavor to infiltrate the church with tares ever heard of, and is it not spiritual whoredom of the worst kind to fill the church of God with devils?(JL, no. 5, page 5-6)

This shows that the prophet was rebuking the leaders for their hypocrisy in knowing that “only 144,000 out of a vast multitude of church members are worthy of salvation”.

Obviously to understand that statement, said by VTH in 1953 or 1954, we should understand that he was speaking primarily to “today’s” leaders, although unbeknownst to him back then.

Let us keep in mind that this statement is a classic example of a prophet not fully knowing “the message which they utter in His name.”

“Men do not fully understand what God would accomplish by the work which He gives them to do; they do not comprehend, in all it’s bearings, the message which they utter in His name.” (Great Controversy, p.343)

The second way is the “weight of evidence” method. That is well known among us. Both Ellen White and Victor Houteff staunchly advocated this method of understanding the Inspired writings.

From the view point of  weight of evidence we have something like over 8 to 1 in Inspired references siding with the fact that only 144,000 survive the church judgment. This is quite strong support to say the least. As mentioned earlier, when one decides to lean on the few rather than the preponderance of evidence, it’s a clear indication that “agendas” are what matters, not the weight of evidence.

This author believes that BOTH methods are true and cannot be controverted. We cannot deny the fact that the “unrolling of the scroll”(progressive light) or the “weight of evidence” are God sent methods of discovering His light, in all it’s glory.

After review of the case and all the witnesses we find that neither the “weight of evidence” nor the “progressive light” support the case of “those with” surviving the Ezekiel 9 church judgment. In fact just the opposite, a landslide of evidence showing that brother Houteff did indeed have a clear conception of the 144,000 Truth.

That truth  was/is — Only 144,000 will survive the Ezekiel 9 church judgment. This is God’s solid word.

Let us understand that our Lord has remained the same Lord yesterday, today and tomorrow. How many were saved in Noah’s day? Eight. How many were saved , over the age of 20, from the million or so from Egypt? Two. How many were saved from the city of Sodom and Gomorrah and surrounding cities? One family.

The Lord is now fulfilling His word —“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.” Zeph. 1:12).

This searching will result in His finding the 144,000–finally! Brethren, let us strive to be part of this group. Now that we have seen that this group is our only chance, we must not let down our guard and be careless. We cannot afford to lose eternity by believing in “man’s fables” such as M.J Bingham started long ago.

We would like to conclude our 7 part study with this relevant revelation. On March 19 1959, Florence Houteff and her council held a council meeting to discuss their upcoming “Ezek.9 date”. Many of us know that she and her cohorts were about to deliver the “Knock-out blow” by falsely predicting the church judgment on April 22, 1959. But we found the following in their minutes of the meeting.

“In Tract 8, page 28 it tells that these two Passovers typify the two purifications, one for the 144,000, and one for the great multitude.”

We see that this was merely 4 years after the prophet died and they are confirming that there is two purifications. The 144,000 from the church and the great multitude from the world. This is unmistakable evidence that the original Davidians knew well what the Rod message taught. Two surviving groups, the 144,000 from the SDA church and a great multitude from the world.

Lastly, if you come in contact with brethren who try to lead you to the “those with” theory, point them to the important and clear references shown here in this report. Ask them to tell you what they mean. If they will not address them then that is a clear signal that you should not waste time, because it will only lead to throwing your “pearls” of truth out to see them trampled upon.

Statements such as “yeah, but” or “doesn’t matter” used as “explanations” of the solid quotes shown, are simply ways to side step or ignore the facts. Don’t fall for it. It will result in a waste of time.

“..Satans supreme effort at this hour must be to cause the time to be wasted and the work undone.” (Answerer, vol. 1, Question 4)

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things beforehand, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” (2 Peter 3:17)

“Therefore, brethren, let us put aside all doubts, and trust implicitly in the living testimony, lest by our questionings and quibblings, we grieve away the Spirit of Christ, and thus find ourselves in fatal conflict with the Almighty, as did those whom the Scriptures call stiff-necked, impudent, hard-hearted, and rebellious.” (SC, vol.5, no1-5, p.6)

“If we, therefore, fail to exchange our ideas for the Lord’s then what hope is there for us ever to become enlightened and fitted for eternity? Our ideas are to fall flat, and the Lord’s prophecies are to stand “high and lifted up.” Our duty is to prove God’s word correct rather than hold tenaciously to our preconceptions and misconceptions until God Himself steps in and puts us to shame.” (TG, vol. 1, no.13,p.7)

“The weight of evidence” is the only fair and final criterion worthy of a Christian who must ever make an investigation for himself concerning purported truth.’ (The Answerer, vol. 1, Question 6)

“The Enemy will try everything conceivable to confuse, becloud, and cover up the Truth, especially on the subject of the 144,000.” (White House Recruiter, p.33)

In closing, looking down to our time, the Elijah prophet declares our God given duty —

“It is now your God-given duty and privilege, the duty of the laity to whole-heartedly advance His cause, to help save the brethren, the 144,000, the firstfruits first, then the great multitude from all nations. Now you see the importance of working strictly for the denomination before we are sent to the nations.” (Jezreel Letter, no. 6, p.8)

May Christ be with you all.

The 144,000 Truth (part 6 of 7)

Now, we come to our two last witnesses, The Timely Greetings and the Jezreel Letters. Please note that there are Scriptures such as Rev.11 that we have left out because we decided they have already been well addressed. Brother Tony Hibbert’s report shows that there is no “type” for the “those with” in measuring of the temple all those throughout history(per Rev. 11). The ones who “worship therein” the altar, is symbolic of the 144,000 (tract 5, p.109-110) and them only. So we’ll count that as additional support for the position  against “those with” as originally taught by M.J. Bingham and then Don Adair, now Lennox Sam.

Those that escape from the slaying of the Lord, you note, are sent to the Gentile nations there to proclaim to them the Lord’s fame and His glory, and also to bring all their brethren (all that can be saved) to the house of the Lord. From this you can plainly see that those who escape must be the first fruits, the 144,000 Jacobites (Rev. 14:4). 

Those whom they bring from the Gentile nations to the house of the Lord must, therefore, be the second fruits (Rev. 7:9), thus where there is first there is also second.  Finally you plainly see that from the purification of the church the 144,000 escape and become the servants of God, the remnant, those who finish the gospel work in all the world.(TG, vol. 1, no.25, p.11)

What cannot be controverted is clearly “Finally you plainly see that from the purification of the church the 144,000 escape and become servants of God, THE REMNANT, those who finish the gospel work in all the world.” Also note that only one group ESCAPES, they are the –144,000.

We remember that Ellen White declared that she and her fellow believers would, “take up the work once more” (Test. vol. 7, p.17). So we know that the established “those with” (already mentioned in prior post) will work to help “finish the gospel”. But where do we find any reference pointing to those who survive the church judgment in addition to the 144,000, the “those with”, taking up the work? We don’t find it. So in all of Inspiration,we only find two groups taking up the “work” through out the world after the church judgment– 144,000 and the special resurrection ones.

Remember, too, that you are candidates for the first fruits, to be either one with or one of the 144,000, that you are to be without guile in your mouths (Rev. 14:5).(TG, vol. 1, no.4, p.27)

Ok, again, let us step back and look at this from the writer’s point of view. With the more than 15 to 1 references so far against “those with” do we really believe that our prophet is double minded? Can we believe that he suddenly switches course and says things against his prior clear statements?  Brethren we must be logical and sensible.

The fact is that brother Houteff was primarily speaking to “those with”, in particular, his generation. Of course this statement is true when we understand whom VTH was addressing. If they (the people back in the 1946) strived with all God-given power to be a candidate of the 144,000–they would be either one of or one with the 144,000. Can some of them possibly to be one “of” today? We know of at least two surviving members alive right now.

..imagine that the living saints in the city are to be so few that a man can n umber them. namely the 144,000, not considering that these are only the ‘first fruits” (Rev. 14:4) of the great “harvest”. (TG, vol. 1, no.12, p.16)

Who are the “so few” that survive the first fruit harvest? The 144,000.

So, only those who survive the Judgment for the Living, in the house of God (1 Pet. 4:17), those whose names are not blotted out from the Book (Rev. 3:5) will comprise the church, among whom are to be 144,000 sons of Jacob (Rev. 7:3-8), and when Michael stands up then those whose names are left in the Book will be delivered from the “trouble such as never was” (Daniel 12:1).  They are “the remnant,” the ones who escape alive from the Judgment for the Living in the House of God.  Thus the antitypical temple is to be built (Ezekiel chapters 40-43) and the cities are to be spread abroad. (TG, vol.1, no.11, p.11)

This quote is often mis-understood to say that when VTH says “among whom are the 144,000 sons of  Jacob..” it points to more than 144,000 surviving the church judgment. And that this number is just the “Israelites” in the church. What “church” is VTH referring to here? The kingdom church, or the SDA church?

Notice the word “will” (will comprise the church). This is definitely pointing to a future church–the kingdom church.  AFTER the judgment of the living in God’s house, the kingdom church will comprise BOTH the great multitude AND the 144,000. This is the reason VTH says “among whom are to be the 144,000 sons of Jacob.” It is speaking of the whole kingdom church.

“The true people of God,” says Inspiration, “who have the spirit of the work of the Lord, and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character.  They will always be on the sides of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God.  Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God’s professed people.  This is forcibly set forth by the prophet’s illustration of the last work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in his hand.” — “Testimonies,” Vol. 3, pg. 266.  On which side do you stand?

   Now the subject of the 144,000 stands out brighter than ever before.  Now you can clearly see that those who escape the slaughter foreseen in Ezekiel nine, are the 144,000 the future servants of God, the first fruits of the harvest, resulting from the cleansing of the sanctuary (church), the work of the investigative judgment of the living.  This work and this Truth, therefore, are the most important for the day, and should whole-heartedly be heeded if one expects to receive the mark and the seal and escape the slaughter, survive the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  Our neglect to sigh and cry for the abominations in the church would mean our eternal loss. (TG, vol. 1, no.52, p.20-21)

I can’t add much more to this clear statement. The 144,000 “future servants of God” are they that come from the first harvest.

We are not to conclude that the Jews are the only descendants of Abraham.  Those who are fortunate enough to have this revelation brought to them, are the people.  There is no other safe conclusion if God causes the prophecies to be written, sealed, and then unsealed at His will and at the time appointed.  The Jews, therefore, are not the only descendants of Abraham. 

To find who these seekers of righteousness really are, there are several genealogical facts to consider: (1) Only the citizens of the kingdom of Judah (the two-tribe kingdom, Judah and Benjamin) received the title Jews.  (2) Those of the ten-tribe kingdom (the kingdom of Israel) were scattered among the nations, and there they completely lost their identity.  (3) The Christian church herself is an upshoot of the Jewish church and nation — the Apostles and her followers, up to about 35 A.D. were all Jews.  Then it was that again a multitude of Jews lost their identity by calling themselves “Christians.”  Comparatively speaking, only a few Jews, from the Kingdom of Judah, have preserved their national title, Jews.

   The descendants of the early Christian Jews and the descendants of the ten tribes, down the stream of time must have increased to a great innumerable multitude, for Abraham’s seed was to be as the sand of the sea for multitude.  It is, therefore, obvious that the few identified Jews of today are not the only descendants of Abraham’s, but that many of the Gentiles must be of Abraham.  Since this mixed up situation exists, hardly any one can really say for sure that he is not one of Abraham’s children.

  Perhaps many of the nations whom the world calls Gentiles are the children of Abraham.  We do not know for sure who is who.  God, however, has kept a perfect genealogical record, for He says: “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know Me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.  And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her.  The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.” Psa. 87:4-6.

   Furthermore, though one be of Gentile blood, if he truly accepts Christ he by his spiritual birth becomes of the seed of Abraham for says Inspiration, “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Gal. 3:29.  The children of Abraham here addressed, therefore, are not to be sought among the identified unbelieving Jews, but among the Christians. (TG, vol. 1, no.37, p.11-12)

This shows the explanation of who is the Israelites in the church. Notice that those who have this message brought to them are the Israelites–  We are not to conclude that the Jews are the only descendants of Abraham.  Those who are fortunate enough to have this revelation brought to them, are the people.

So logically the 144,000 are from any in the SDA church who accept the message! God has watched the blood line and made sure that each of the descendants of Abraham have had a chance to hear this message, whether they hear or whether they forbear. (Ezek. 2:7)  This completely logical because we know that John saw the solemn Ezek. 9 event (Test. to Minsters, p.445), so that means there are not yet found 144,000 members in the church because once that number is sealed the church judgment begins.

We also remember that John was a witness to this most “startling revelation”. When we now realize the magnitude of our worldwide membership, the vision can be nothing but “startling”. May we truly ponder these solemn events and go to work!

How few truly sign and cry for the abominations in the church and their own life!

When will this be? — It will have to be just as soon as God can get a company of people to “see eye to eye” (Isa. 52:8) that their own so-called good deeds are but filthy rags, and thus be of one accord.  The only such company in prophecy, you know, is the 144,000, the first fruits, the servants of God who stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb without guile in their mouths (Rev. 14:1, 4, 5).  To achieve such a happy holy state the Church must experience a mighty revival and reformation, a shaking, a sifting, such as she has never yet experienced. (TG, vol. 2, no.19, p.10-11)

Here we see that the “only such company” to stand with the Lamb on Mt. Zion will be the 144,000. Are not the “those with” to also  be without guile in their mouths? If they are why are they not worthy of being among the 144,000? Doesn’t make any sense.

   Your knowledge of these things, though, will not benefit you if you do not make a desperate effort to be one of, or one with the 144,000.  You, moreover, must have this extra oil in your vessels (Matt. 25:1-12) now while it is so freely dispensed. (TG, vol. 2, no.4, p.15)

This statement is again in keeping with (TG, vol. 1, no. 4, p.27) as above. Brother Houteff explaining to his people that they have two choices. It’s amazing how , even though he did not know that his message would predominantly be to the “those with”(those who are to come up in the special resurrection), it has such clarity to us today! With the help of Inspiration, hindsight can indeed be 20/20!

To determine the Lord’s part, the tithe, the Lord’s lambs, goats, or sheep, were made to pass under the rod.  Each tenth then was taken and set aside for the Lord.  The statement of Ezekiel twenty, verse thirty-seven, “to pass under the rod,” therefore, means to separate His very elect from among the multitude, from among the “tares,” (Matt. 13:30) or from among the “bad fish” (Matt. 13:47, 48).  And being thus separated, they are counted.  So it is that the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3-8; 14:1) are a separate and numbered company.

   Now we see that Ezekiel twenty contains a prophetic history from the time of their sojourn in Egypt to the time of the sealing of the 144,000, and of the gathering of the people.

   When God causes His people to thus pass under the rod, He will then bring them into the bond of “the covenant which He made with Abraham, and of His oath unto Isaac; and hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance.” 1 Chron. 16:16-18.

   The promises which they failed to realize, the Lord reassures that He will now let His people have them.

Ezek. 20:38 — “And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.”

   Here we are plainly told that only the elect will He bring “into the bond of the covenant.”  Them only will He bring into the land of Israel.  The sinners (tares, bad fish or goats) that are now among God’s people shall be taken out and be no more. (TG, vol. 2, no.1, p.7-8)

The above is quite clear again. Can’t add much more.

The cleansed ones you see, are the 144,000, and they are taken to Mount Sion.

   Plainly, then, the cleansing is in two sections.  The 144,000 guileless saints who are sealed from among the tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:4-7), the church, are but the first fruits.  They are taken to Mt. Sion.  Finally after the purification, or cleansing, of the church has taken place, then the great multitude of Revelation 7:9 are gathered out of all nations.  They constitute the second fruits, for where there is no second there can be no first. (TG, vol. 2, no.42, p.34)

Wait a minute! You mean that the “cleansed ones” from the SDA church are just the 144,000? Yes, that is what Inspiration just said. Again brethren let us not superimpose that which is not written.

How many yields of fruit is the harvest to give? — If the 144,000 are the “first fruits” (Rev. 14:4), then there must be “second fruits,” for where there is no second there can be no first.  The word “firstfruits” absolutely necessitates second fruits.

   Where do the first fruits come from, and where do the second fruits come from? — We are plainly told that the first fruits are Israelites — all from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:4-8).  Israel certainly stands for the church membership at the time they are sealed; the title “Israel” cannot be construed to mean the world.  The firstfruits, therefore, are harvested from the church itself at the time the separation begins.  The word “sealed” means placed in a safe place — sealed. (TG, vol. 2, no.44, p.34)

What stands out here is that we find how many “fruits” (people) the first harvest yields–144,000.

Thus as the stone, supernaturally cut out of one mountain, supernaturally turns into another mountain, then fills the whole earth, it reveals the process of the prophecy’s turning into history: that the stone (in that it is to grow) is symbolical of the first-fruits in the kingdom; that the infant kingdom begins with the 144,000 “servants of God” (Rev. 7:3); that consequently the church of Laodicea (in that it is the last in which the wheat and the tares commingle, and therefore the one in which the wheat, the 144,000 first fruits, is harvested) is necessarily the mountain out of which the stone, the first fruit of the kingdom, is cut or taken from.

   Further, it is seen that their being “cut out without hands,” without human aid, obviously points out the fact that they are garnered by the angels; that their increasing, then, as the growth of the stone reveals, is the result subsequently of the gathering of the second fruits out of all nations, causing the mountain or kingdom, to fill the earth; and that this super-natural work of cutting out the stone, of separating the 144,000, the nucleus of the kingdom, is the purification of the church.

   Finally, since the stone, as has been seen, is cut out–the infant kingdom set up — “in the days of these kings” (the toe-kings), not after their days, and since the 144,000 “servants of God” stand on mount Zion (Rev. 14:1), it conclusively follows that the stone kingdom in its beginning is set up in the Holy Land, while the toe-kings are yet in existence.(TG, vol. 2, no.46, p.30)

The stone represents the 144,000 and “those with” from within the church? No. For it says that the stone represents the “first fruits of the kingdom.” Who gets “cut out” and separated from the mountain (the church)? The 144,000. Beyond clear!

   Beyond question, therefore, the 144,000 guileless servants of God (Rev. 14:5), composing the government of God in its beginning, the stone which smites the image, and which subsequently becomes a great mountain that fills the whole earth, are instrumental in the eventual overthrow of all earthly governments. (TG, vol. 2, no.46, p.31)

The 144,000 guileless servants of God compose the government of God. Also further evidence that the stone that is separated is composed of the 144,000.

Timely Greetings quote ( TG, vol. 2, no.22, p.22-24) concerns the Chariot and horses of Zech. 6. This issue has be well documented. Our research shows that the church “after” Ezekiel 9 is represented by the large brass mountain, not the chariot. Therefore the “those with” argument in relations to Zech. 6 is moot because it relies on false assumptions.

Rev. 11:1 — “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the Temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.”

   The measuring of the worshipers is in reality the numbering of them.  And so you see that following the Seventh-day Adventist Movement there is to be a numbering of its people.  And as there is but one numbered company, the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3), the first fruits (Rev. 14:4), the servants of God (7:3), it follows that they are the ones who are numbered, who escape, and also who are sent to the nations.  Yes, they are the ones who finish the Mystery of God as they bring all their brethren out of all nations (Rev. 7:9), the second fruits.(TG, vol. 2, no.15, p.9)

Again, Inspiration says how many “escape”– 144,000.

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Now we take a look at the last writings of brother Houteff on our subject. Here is the “end  of the scroll”. The “those with” “progressive light” arguments (particularly now promoted by Lennox Sam of Wavesheaf Ministries) that the last words by VTH on our subject must be more weighty than prior statements, must submit t0 the last prophet’s word on the 144,000 — the Jezreel Letters(1953). The very last words from the prophet were the 1954 Symbolic Code, Vol. 10 , no.2. But we found no mention of our subject there.

For sometime now you have had the eleventh-hour publications (tracts and “Timely Greetings” — postmarked Waco — including a copy of the “1950 General Conference Special,” and the “White-House Recruiter”), all bearing the light of God so direly needed at this climactic hour of time — the long expected message of the sealing of the 144,000 (the purification of the church — the judgment of the living in the “house of God”: the message to the Laodiceans), the Loud Cry, and kindred events. (JL, no.1, p.4)

How many does the “sealing message” seal from the purified church? 144,000.

All these scriptures and many more, my friend, as you plainly see, refer to the purification of the church, to the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Mal. 4:5), to the Judgment for the Living and the gathering of the saints — the “harvest” of which every prophet has written, some more and some less.  Since this is so you certainly see that our elders are now doing what the priests in Christ’s day were doing, and also what the religious leaders down through the Reformation were doing, and are no less determined to keep this message away from the laity, and to thereby deceive even the very elect, the 144,000, the very first fruits of the harvest, those who are to survive the Judgment “in the house of God” (1 Pet. 4:17), the future servants of God! (JL, no.2, p.7)

Who are those who survive the Judgment “in the house of God”? The 144,000.

My beloved. The following is the most solid evidence in this final unrolling of the scroll. Please read this carefully, even two or three times if necessary. It’s that important!

 Your bragging about the Denomination’s numerous conversions the world over now challenges you to honestly answer the questions that here ensue: Why are you Elders jubilantly bringing the multitudes into the churches if you positively know that only 144,000 out of a vast multitude of church members are to be worthy of salvation?  Why are you giving them hope of a home in the Kingdom if you positively know that they cannot be saved?  Is not such an ingathering outright deception and the greatest endeavor to infiltrate the church with tares ever heard of, and is it not spiritual whoredom of the worst kind to fill the church of God with devils? (JL, no. 5, p.5-6)

Brethren this is powerful! The prophet is admonishing the leaders for continuing to bring in more and more into the church! He is saying that they should not be hypocrites by deceiving the “multitudes” into coming into the church,as they know only 144,000 are ‘worthy of salvation” from the church. He calls it “outright deception”. Brother Houteff, really is saying that because they are rejecting the Lord’s Elijah message and bringing in people only to tell them that the message of the Lord is false(Elijah message), why are they doing this? A false hope indeed, “spiritual whoredom”!

Those are not my words or anyone else but the prophet’s. Let’s now stand upon the sure word of prophecy–God’s word.

To show that Inspiration, had not, in close to 20 years, changed it’s view on the clear understanding of the 144,000 being saved from the church (JL, no. 5, p.5-6) , we see the same view back in 1935!

Moreover, what is the use of bringing a multitude into the church, making them believe that they are saved when in reality they are lost? As it is contrary to God’s desire to bring into the church those who are not saved (tares) the brethren’s position of only 144,000 living saints is nothing short than of a thought which conveys the idea that the denominational rapid growth, as told by sweeping statements from the pulpits, is not God’s doing, but the doing of the sower of the evil seed whose chief business is to choke out the wheat by a full field of “tares.” Is not such a program a most terrible deception rather than salvation?( SC, vol.1, no.18, p.8)

Also, a third time confirmed —

“Notwithstanding the fact that “in the closing work” for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. only 144,000 are to be sealed, according to Testimonies, vol. 3, p.266…” (Answerer, vol. 3, Question 54)

Let us clearly notice the word “fact” prior to what he says.

Brethren, let us at once believe that which is written, not that which we want as written,as some have done to further their agenda.

Thanks be to God that the 144,000 are not all the living saints that they are but the “first fruits” (Rev. 14:4) of the great harvest that they are not from all nations but only from the twelve tribes of the children of Israel (Rev. 7:4-8) — the fruits from the church at the commencement of the harvest (Judgment for the Living).  The great multitude, though, which John saw immediately after the sealing of the 144,000, are “from all nations” (Rev. 7:9), over whom Babylon then rules (Rev. 17), and who are called to come out of her (Rev. 18:4).  They are the second fruits. (JL, no. 5, p.9)

During his ministry, brother Houteff was continually battling the SDA leaders over the fact that they taught that the 144,000 were the ONLY ones saved from the world. Here he straightens them out about the “second fruits”. Praise the Lord, the world will soon be , to a large degree, converted! A great multitude which no man could number!

Moreover, the 144,000 are only the first fruits (Rev. 14:4) and where there is first there must be second fruits also else there cannot be first. Because there is a first resurrection we know that there is a second one.  Those that were seen after the sealing of the 144,000, the great multitude from all nations (Rev. 7:9) are, therefore, the second fruits.

Besides their racial lineage of identification there are the words “first,” “fruits,” “servants of God,” “sealed” and “standing on Mount Zion” by which to identify who the 144,000 are and what they are.  Obviously they are called fruits because they are the result of the “harvest,” the work which separates the tares from the wheat. (JL, no.6, p.1-2)

It is now your God-given duty and privilege, the duty of the laity to whole-heartedly advance His cause, to help save the brethren, the 144,000, the firstfruits first, then the great multitude from all nations.  Now you see the importance of working strictly for the denomination before we are sent to the nations.(JL, no. 6, p.8)

Ok, we are now done with our case and calling of the witnesses. Next week we shall hear the verdict and produce the summary.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”(John 16:13)

The 144,000 Truth (Part 5 of 7)

As previously mentioned, we need to keep expanding this study. Kindly bear with us as we add to our parts of study (though it appears 7 will finally be it). This post will be one of the longer posts due to the many quotes from these witnesses.

This post we’ll call our next two witnesses, the Symbolic Codes and the Answerer. These are a gold mine of information on our topic, so we’ll look very closely at them.

Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.15,  p.9 —

Question: “Will all but the 144,000 of the present S.D.A. denomination actually be slain in the separation?”

   Answer: All but those who do not receive the mark or seal, old or young, male or female, will fall under the slaughter weapons of the angels. (Ezek. 9:6.) Only those who sigh and cry for all the abominations in the midst thereof will receive the mark. (verse 4.) John saw 144,000 sealed (marked). If others from within the S.D.A. denomination besides the 144,000 should escape, it is not known to us.

This one is, as many are aware, is one of the plainest declarations by the prophet. The prophet flatly tells us that he is not aware of anymore than 144,000 surviving the church judgment.

We are well aware that some brethren are claiming the “progressive light” theory applies here. Yes, this theory certainly is true, as the scroll unrolls.  We will closely look at the very last works of the prophet to see what is said. These would be the early 1950’s writings of Jezreel Letters(1953)and Sym. Code, vol.10(1954), and the already discussed Tract-White House Recruiter-1951.

Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.9, p.8–

And as the 144,000 are first fruits, showing that second fruits must follow, and further, as the “net” has through the years gathered “of every kind, good (the 144,000) and bad alike, therefore the “net” has to be drawn ashore and the “good” gathered into “vessels,” and the “bad” “cast away” before the second fruits (the great multitude — Rev. 7:9; Isa. 66:20) can be gathered (Rev. 18:4).

   Thus the time spoken of in the statement under discussion is at Ezekiel 9, when the gospel to the 144,000 has been completed and they — the first fruits — have been harvested the world over; the gospel has sealed them for eternity and has completed its work in their lives, and they are ready to be sown (sent forth) for the harvesting of the second fruits in the Loud Cry, at the close of which time the harvest will have been completed and they (the second fruits) will have been added to the 144,000 (the first fruits), and all will be ready for translation.

How many get harvested “the world over” from the church? The 144,000. Then they are sent forth to gather the second fruits, and both added to make God’s kingdom.

Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.11-12, p.9 —

 Moreover, having one’s name on the church books does not assure any one of being saved. Having your name written in the books of heaven is what counts. Your acceptance of the truth and a desire to comply with all the requirements which the message provides, is what secures your membership in the church of the redeemed.

This reference is shown to understand the ramifications of what is said here.  Here we see that the prophet indicates that  SDA church membership is not the only way that one can have their names written in the “books in heaven.” Therefore, this would explain the fact that once the 144,000 are escaped from the church, some may be found who are in “acceptance of the truth” and complying “with all the requirements” but not in the church membership. This then makes another case for identifying “those with”. They obviously would join with the 144,000 to go to the promised land.

So far we have identified two types of “those with”. The Special resurrection SDA, and now the “truth abiders” from outside of the SDA church. This may include any number of other Sabbath churches. There are approximately 500 (or more) churches around the world who declare to keep the Sabbath.http://www.topix.com/forum/religion/seventh-day-adventist/TOPK2SH460MI7S2A7

 

Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.11-12, p.9–

Question: “Will those who are now accepting the S.D.A. faith during this sealing time be among the 144,000, or fall in the slaughter of Ezekiel 9?”

   Answer: All that are found members of the church at the fulfillment of Ezekiel Nine will either receive the seal and be of the 144,000, or else be left without and fall under the “slaughter weapons” of the “five men.” Only those who “sigh and cry for all the abominations” in the church will escape from the destruction.

This is another plain and clear declaration. One cannot escape the obvious conclusion there can be no “those with” here. Wouldn’t the “those with” be “signing and crying for all the abominations”? Of course they would and obviously they would be sealed, right? But only 144,000 are sealed from the church according to this reference. This statement is one of the solid ones against the “those with” idea.

 

Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.11-12, p.2 —

  Though those whom the message first reached excused themselves, the latter class (the laity) responded to the call, and as “the servant said, Lord it is done as Thou hast commanded, and yet there is room,” shows that after the message shall first be delivered to the church, and gather one group of guests, it is then to go to the “highways and hedges” — the world, or outside of the church — and bring a second group. The 144,000 being the “firstfruits” (Rev. 14:4), it proves that those who came from the “highways and hedges” are the second fruits of Rev. 7:9.

Notice that “one group” is gathered  and is to come from the SDA church. Then he identifies who that group is — the 144,000 first fruits.

We must be careful not to interpose that which isn’t there, as much as sometimes we’d like to. As much as we would want to see the great majority saved from the SDA church, we can never deny, change or alter that which the word of God declares. That’s the whole purpose of this study–to find out what HE says, not what we want Him to say.

 

Symbolic Code, vol.2, no.5-8, p.8 —

 All that are found members of the church up to the fulfillment of Ezekiel Nine will either receive the seal and be a part of or with the 144,000, or else be left without the seal and fall under the “slaughter weapons” of the “five men.”

Here is one of the stronger verses for the case of “those with”. Although, we must remember that we have to understand it from the writers point of view. After reading those many prior clear verses that show that only 144,000 escape and are sealed from the church, we are faced with two conclusions. One, that VTH all of a sudden declares there will be others that survive “with the 144,000” ( a bolt of new light). Two, that he did not  mean it in a way that suggests what, on the surface, appears to point to others sealed and escaped from the SDA church.

Let us for argument’s sake, say that the first conclusion is correct. Now, what do we do with the 20+ verses against “those with” views so far? Do we throw it out? Do we side with the one or two that may suggest “those with” survive and escape? One thing is clear, although “we” may be confused in the above passage, VTH was not.
“The Shepherd’s Rod” has cleared the subject of the 144,000 in every respect ..” (SC, vol. 1, no.5-6, p.8) 

Additionally, according to the “progressive light” theory,  if we now believe that VTH has changed his stance and shown us here that there are “those with”, we expect him to be consistent with this belief from here on, right? The progressive light theory must work both ways right?

In White House Recruiter, we found this quote,  “Hence these escaped (remaining) ones are God’s remnant, His first fruits of the harvest, His guileless servants, the 144,000 — the elect.  And only they, none others, the Scriptures declare, shall bring all their brethren from all nations, in a clean vessel, into the purified house of the Lord — His White House.” 

This quote was in 1951, Well after the 1935 quote shown above in Symbolic Code. So if we are to go by this theory we must cling to the White House Recruiter(1951), Jezreel Letters(1953), and Symbolic Code, vol. 10(1954), not the 1935 Sym. Code quote, as final light on the subject.

 

Symbolic code, vol. 5, no.6-12, p.8 —

“Thus those who in the time of the sealing are among the 144,000, and who do not receive the mark of God, according to Ezekiel’s vision, are to be tested, not by the image of the beast, but by their attitude toward the abominations in the church; and those who do not “sigh and cry” against the abominations therein, will be separated by the angels’ slaughter weapons (ezek. 9:6)..”

Again, not to beat a dead horse but if the “those with” survive, don’t they have to sigh and cry against the abominations as well as the 144,000? Then they must be marked  and  sealed obviously. Then the number would not be 144,000 sealed from the church, correct? It would have to be larger. But as we’ve seen time and again, the prophet says repeatedly that  only 144,000 are sealed from the church.

We understand that some bring up the view that these sealed are just the “Israelites” in the church. We’ll look at that further as we go.

 

Symbolic Code, vol. 7, no.7-12, p.9 —

The fact that there is a remnant (that which is left) of the seed of the woman, shows that her seed is divided into two parts, and that consequently the symbolism represents three groups of people: (1) the woman; (2) the first part of her seed–those who in this instance are not the remnant; (3) the second part of her seed–those who are the remnant.

In the light of this symbolical representation, the woman, herself, is seen to symbolize the mother-part of the church–God’s appointed and Spirit-filled ministers who bring in the born-again (John 3:3) converts.  The first part of her seed must, accordingly, be the first fruits, the 144,000, who, separated from the sinners that were among them, are taken to Mount Sion, there to stand with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1). 

Notice the last paragraph. Who are the ones who get separated from the sinners among them? The 144,000. If we look back a few references above where VTH supposedly changed his view and included “those with” understanding, then why are they not also mentioned as separated and to stand with the Lamb on Mount Sion? Didn’t he now have this new “those with” revelation after the 1935 quote (SC, vol. 1, no.5-6, p.8) ?

 

Symbolic Code, vol. 9, no.1-12, p.5-6 —

So in the time between the “latter rain” of truth and the “outpouring” of the Spirit’s power, there will be a consecrated number who will escape from among the “slain of the Lord.”  In other words, at the first-fruit harvest, when all the sinners have been taken out of the church, and the righteous left by themselves as were the 120 disciples in the upper room, then and only then can the Lord finally pour out His Spirit’s power upon all, so that all (all the “escaped” ones) shall prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions.

There will be “all sinners” taken from the church and only the righteous “left”. We notice that a specific certain “consecrated number” will escape. The only number ever disclosed as escaping is–144,000. What does the word “consecrate” mean? Dedicated to a sacred purpose. Also we know that the Elijah prophet was to restore all things.

Now about the Acts 1:15 quote used as another reference to support the “those with” theory, we can once and for all silent that one. How? Because the “restorer” restored that point. Acts 1:15 says there were “about” 120 disciples gathered for Pentecost. So some claim that the “about” word can mean that the ‘type” of the 144,000 had an extra amount of “those with”.

But in reviewing what the restorer said, we found that each time he mentioned the gathering, he said “the 120 disciples” never “about 120 disciples”. See TG, vol. 2, no.22, p.20 and  Answerer, vol. 2, p.9  for example. There was no “about” about it, to use pun intended.

You see this is what is so beautiful about the Lord sending a “restorer” to us. He knew what needed to be restored! Only 120 Disciples were there, thus anti-type would be 144,000.

 

That concludes the Symbolic Code references. As explained earlier, if anyone has references that we’ve missed , feel free to bring it to our attention and if applicable we’ll be happy to add it.

Now we go to the Answerer.

 

Answerer, vol.3, p.26 —

Notwithstanding the fact that “in the closing work” for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, only 144,000 are to be sealed, according to Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266, …

Inspiration calls it a “fact” that “only 144,000”  are to be sealed for the church. Simple , straight and unmistakable.

 Answerer, vol. 2, question 42 —

Observe the “the stone” (the Kingdom) does not become a great mountain until after it smites the image, showing that the Kingdom begins in it’s infancy with only the first fruits, who soon stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb…

If “those with” survive the church judgment, then how can they be part of the Kingdom, when Inspiration says “only the first fruits” make up the Kingdom at first? Further, in all the Rod, not once is the term “those with” ever used in conjunction with describing them as “first fruits”. We are seeing brethren,  from so many statements and angles that this “those with” belief is crumbling like sand.

Answerer, vol. 4, p.34-35 —

Question No. 92:

“The Shepherd’s Rod,” Vol. 1, p. 30, makes the statement that the Seventh-day Adventist denomination numbered 300,000 at the time the book was written, this fact suggesting that about half, 144,000, are the five wise virgins and that the other half are the five foolish virgins. But how can this be so when today the Denomination numbers 500,000?

Answer:

Writing in 1930, the Rod was necessarily speaking in terms, not of the then unknown membership of today, but of the established membership at that time. And though the number then (300,000) did naturally suggest about an even division of members (two classes, good and bad–“wise virgins” and “foolish virgins”), yet as there are only 144,000 Israelites to be sealed, the number of the unsealed would have even then exceeded the number of the sealed.

In the final analysis, however, it is neither the Rod’s purpose nor its intent to say just how many wise and how many foolish there will be in this first-fruit harvest, for when the whole truth is made known, the figure of the “five wise virgins,” besides comprehending the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, may be found to include a considerable number from the Gentile nations.

This is one that appears complicated.  But actually if we simply study it out we see who the five virgins encompasses. The last part of quote tells us. “Besides comprehending the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel” there are to be found Gentiles from the Gentile nations. So after the “whole truth is made known” after Ezekiel 9 in other words, there will be found Gentiles.

In researching for this article and specifically concerning this quote we found brother Tony Hibbert’s explanation quite thorough.

–“Can the church be termed Virgins after Ezekiel nine? Absolutely! Inspiration says so. Even in the kingdom the church will be termed “virgins”.

“Again, in verses 47 and 48 Christ draws a parallel between the Church a “net”; the people he likens to “fish,” and the purification to a separation, whereas in Matthew 25 He calls the purified Church the Kingdom of God, and the people He likens unto “virgins,” and the cleansing He illustrates by a door which lets in the wise but keeps out the foolish. (TG, VOL. 2, P.31)

“Thus there is no doubt that the people of the purified Church are termed “virgins”. In the parable , remember, the wise are allowed in to the wedding feast, but the foolish are kept out. Therefore, after the door is shut (after the slaughter) the kingdom is represented as all “wise virgins”. Whereas the church before Ezekiel Nine is represented as the church with both ‘wise” and “foolish”.”(The Truth about The One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand And Those With, A. Anthony Hibbert)

We found this reference as well that shows the ten virgins encompass the men of the world.

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.  Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.  Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.” (Zech. 8:20-23.)

   The meaning of the “ten men” is the same as the “ten virgins” of Matthew 25:1.  The ten virgins signify the church as a body; and the “men” symbolically denote those who are to be converted to the church, and that they shall come from all languages, and nations.  “Even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew;” that is, the one who is a Jew represents Christ in the person of His saints (the 144,000), “His skirt”represents truth or the church as a whole, by which the 144,000 are symbolically clothed. (SRod, vol.2, p.281)

 

 Answerer, vol.4, p.35-36

Question No. 93:

Although I am not a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, yet since I have the light on Ezekiel 9 and on the truth of the 144,000, will I fall in the slaughter of the wicked if I do not fully accept and live up to the light? And, conversely, will I be subject to the enjoyment of the privileges of the 144,000 and be one of them if I obey all the light of this message?

Answer:

Even though you are not a member of the church, still you will be held accountable for the light which you have on the subject, for no one finds the truth accidentally, or sees it without the Holy Spirit’s aid.

By the same law of accountability or sacred responsibility, even though you may have come into the message only recently you can be eligible for the election of the 144,000 if you live up to the message that is to purify and seal them. Whether or not for a certainty, however, you will be one of them, we do not know, but if you are faithful to the message, you will at least be one with them.

Brother Houteff  identifies the “those with” as those who will die obeying the Davidian message. Even though in this case we see that some of the ‘those with” may include those not found in the SDA church, as mentioned earlier.

 

Answerer, vol. 5, p. 89-90 —

Question No. 161:

Sister White was told that only the 144,000 may enter the holy temple in heaven. Since, however, she herself went in (for she says, “The wonderful things I there SAW”–“Early Writings,” p. 19), is she not one of the 144,000?

Answer:

We must realize that Sister White entered the temple only in vision, not in reality. The 144,000 were not bodily there, and neither was she. She was taken there in vision for no reason other than to view the things therein, that she might describe them to us. So necessarily, of course, she had to enter in. And since she certifies that the 144,000 are “living saints” Early Writings, p. 15) and since she herself died, she cannot be one of them, though she can be one with them.

This fact is very clearly borne out in another vision in which she was taken to a planet that had seven moons, where she “saw good old Enoch.” The place was so beautiful and her desire for it so keen that she begged the angel to let her stay there. “Then the angel said, ‘You must go back and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000 shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God.'”–Early Writings, p. 40.

So, though she will not be one of them, she will, happily, be one with them.

Again we see more clarification of “those with”. Ellen White is the classic example of the Special resurrection ones.

Summary–

This concludes part 5 of our case. In these witnesses we see  9 references strongly in favor of only 144,000 escaping, and 2 that may appear siding with the ” those with”. But as shown when we dig deeper those two don’t hold up well upon close examination. We also found out who can be included as being “those with”.

Next week we’ll call the Timely Greetings and Jezreel Letters. We mentioned that we need to pay close attention to the last of brother Houteff’s writings. The Jezreel Letters are the final word written on our subject. We’ll finish up with that , then in part 7, we’ll conclude with a final summary.

The 144,000 Truth (Part 4 of 7)

In Part 4 , we will review the Tracts. These are some of the foundational works of the prophet.As such we’ll need to look at them closely for their stance on our issue.

In our first reference we’ll look at White House Recruiter (Page 23-25).

That the servants of the eleventh-hour call — those who “escape,” who are not “cut off” (Lev. 23:29) while “the house of God” is being judged (1 Pet. 4:17), the event which signalizes the commencement of the judgment of the living, world-wide — are to he sent to all nations, Inspiration attests through the prophet Isaiah:

   “For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire.  For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many…. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard My fame, neither have seen My glory; and they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. 

And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules and upon swift beasts, to My holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord” Isa. 66:15, 16, 19, 20.

   With these solemn words the Lord warns that the slaughter (the antitypical Passover — Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 505, 211; Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 190, 198) is to take place among those who are of the household of God, the church, for the escaped ones are sent to the Gentiles who as yet have not heard of God’s fame and His glory.

Obviously the angels who execute this slaughter are to take away from the church the unrighteous — those who are figuratively depicted in one instance as bad “fish” and in another instance as “guests” not having “the wedding garment” on.

   Here, let every serious-minded reader pause to ponder what Inspiration says: Isa. 66:19 and 20 explain that those who escape the slaughter of Isa. 66:15 and 16, are to be sent as missionaries to the Gentiles, who as yet know not God.  Hence these escaped (remaining) ones are God’s remnant, His first fruits of the harvest, His guileless servants, the 144,000 — the elect.  And only they, none others, the Scriptures declare, shall bring all their brethren from all nations, is a clean vessel, into the purified house of the Lord — His White House.”

This quote tells quite a bit. One thing that stands out is that we see that the connection with the Passover is made more clear. The words, “is to take place among those who are the household of God, the church..” is tied directly to the type(Passover). So with that, we must conclude that last week’s reference of SRod, vol. 1 ,p.64, cannot hold any support for the idea of those with.

Why? Because the anti-type takes place in the “church” and that in order for the original type to be true, the Passover had to be just among God’s people only(not Gentiles). So those that went “with” the Israelites were not involved in the marking of the posts with blood (passed over) and joined after the angels went through God’s people (figurative of the church and Ezek. 9).

Brother Houteff sheds more light here, “Again we note at the time of the passover in Egypt the blood on the door-post was a type of the marking or sealing. (Srod, vol. 2, 169) 

Did the Gentiles participate in this marking of the door-post? Of course not. Nowhere in all of the Inspired writings does it say this. So , again, clearly the Gentiles join after the anti-typical passover (Ezek. 9) just as they did in the type.

Then we see the powerful statement “none others” in describing who  brings in the brethren from all nations during the Loud Cry. So where’s the those with? If they exist and survive the church judgment, why are they not among the servants doing this important Loud Cry work? This just makes no sense at all. One has to really grope here to believe the “those with” with this statement.

Ok now we look at WHR page 46.

 But if you make your decision for the better, then you will receive God’s mark (Ezek. 9; Testimonies To Ministers, p. 445) in your foreheads, be accounted faultless before His judgment throne, and be privileged either to come up in the resurrection of Daniel 12:2, or to stand aforehand with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1), thence to carry God’s message to all nations and bring all your brethren for an offering to “the house of the Lord.” Isa. 66:19, 20.  You will become part of the first fruits, the nucleus, of the Kingdom Church, the token of the second fruits of the living, of those whom you subsequently bring in.

As present-truth adherents in the first-fruit period, may God help us all, Brother Sister, to be either among or along with the first fruits, the 144,000.  It is left to every one himself to determine his own destiny.

This is telling in a couple important areas. We see that those “along with” are pointed out in the prior verse to be those “to come up in the resurrection of Daniel 12:2.” Two descriptions are given clearly as to two potential groups we can to be a part of  1) the 144,000 2) the raised up SDA who are the “along with”.

Let us step back and ask. Did not brother Houteff under Inspiration (unbeknownst to him at that time) speak almost exclusively to those who would be “those with”? In this light we can see that his job for “his people” was to prepare them as “those with ” candidates. Hence it’s clear that he was encouraging his brethren to stay on the straight and narrow, and to be  found as those with, but this description has nothing to do with the “those with” as in surviving Ezek. 9 in the church.

As his writings are predominantly meant for us today, those striving to be among the 144,000, are encouraged to stay on the narrow path today.  So these statements are applicable to both times.

Let’s look at Tract 1.

  Since “those that escape” the slaughter (the 144,000) shall “bring all your brethren [all those who shall be saved in the time of the ‘Loud Cry’]…into the house of the Lord,” then it follows  that those who escape are the ones who finish the work — the reason they are called “the servants of God.” Rev. 7:3.(Tract 1, p.23)

How many escape the slaughter?  144,000. Aren’t “those with” to escape as well? Not according to this word of God.

The scattering of the “coals of fire…over the city” represents absolute purification of the heart (Gospel Workers, p. 23) effected by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those who receive the “mark” — those who escape the “slaughter. “(Ibid, p.39)

Those who survive the slaughter receive the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit”. Ok, if the “those with” survive, are they not to receive this outpouring as well? And if they do why are they not among the 144,000? This really is quite strange to say the least. This is like saying to someone, “Here’s a brand new Mercedes, but you’re  not worthy to have the key.”

Next  we look at Tract 14.

“A detailed demonstration of this purification of the church is projected in Ezekiel’s prophecy.  There the Lord commands him who records the life history, the angel with the writer’s inkhorn, to go through the city and to set a mark (seal) on those only who sigh and cry for the abominations that are therein.  Then five others go after him to slay all who have not the mark. (See Ezekiel 9; Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266, and Vol. 5, p. 211.)

   “The city” is figurative of Judah and Israel, the church in which are to be found the 144,000 servants of God (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445) those who are to be called by another name after the unworthy servants are slain.  And as the 144,000 are the first fruits (Rev. 14:4) of the harvest, they are the “escaped” of the Isaiah 66:19 and of Ezekiel 9. 

This separation of the tares from the wheat in the church is to signalize the beginning of the final harvest of earth — the end of the world.  Then will have come the time for the denominational name to cease, for all her idols to be cut off, and for a new name (Isa. 62:2) to be given to those who escape.  Then will these escaped ones proclaim God’s glory and His fame to the Gentiles, and  bring out of all nations all their brethren (all that will be saved) to “the house of the  Lord.” Isa. 66:16, 19, 20. (Tract 14, p.19-20)

This quote is very obvious. How much plainer does it have to get? “.. the 144,000 are the first fruits(Rev. 14:4) of the harvest, they are THE “escaped” of Isaiah 66:19 and of Ezekiel 9.

Tract 8 —

 No Christian of any faith can honestly deny the church’s need of purification. And as the Lord never does anything without forewarning His church, He is now sending to her the message of purification, in order to give her a foretaste of future glory, so that as heaven’s clarion call to reformation continues sounding forth among His people, they may have a keen relish for its truth, and may give themselves wholeheartedly to the work of reform, right now while He is clearly laying before them His plan for the setting up of His kingdom with consequent  results to the sinners. 

Those who give implicit heed to the call, shall have an irresistible desire to come fully into line and to have the Lord separate them from sin and sinners.  They alone shall receive the seal of God and as the first fruits of the kingdom, 144,000 strong, stand with the Lamb on “Mount Zion”! (Tract 8, p.20-21)

Once again this is quite clear and plain. In talking of the “church’s need of purification”, VTH says, “they alone shall receive the seal of God and as first fruits of the kingdom, 144,000 strong, stand with the Lamb on “Mount Zion”. How many from the church upon purification get sealed? 144,000. Pay particular attention to the words–“They alone”. This is quite deep- Why? Because all who survive the “marking” of Ezekiel 9  are sealed. Then “they alone” are the only sealed, no others are sealed — except the 144,000. 

Brethren, let us stop here for a moment and ask this important question. Are we as DSDA not well informed that to survive the slaughter of Ezekiel 9, we must sigh and cry for all the abominations done in the midst (church and our lives)? No one, including “those with” can be given a free pass on this. That is impossible according to His word. Therefore, the simple and clear deduction from this statement.

1- Only sighers and criers get sealed

2- those found doing this are–144,000

3- They ALONE are the only sealed and survive from the church

4- If you don’t have the seal, you cannot survive

Tract 3 —

“I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan [the Gentile nations today as called by their ancient names], to the isles afar off, that have not heard My fame, neither have seen My glory; and they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles.” Isa. 66:19.

Since these escaped ones (the first fruits, the 144,000 servants of God — Rev. 7:3) “shall bring all your brethren” (the second fruits the great multitude — Rev. 7:9) “for an offering…out of all nations” (Isa. 66:20, first part), this great ingathering necessarily therefore, is the closing work of the gospel — the second section of the harvest.

And since, furthermore, these escaped ones are to bring all their brethren “to My holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord,” “in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord” (Isa. 66:20, last part), the fact is fully evident that the destruction of the wicked results in the purification of the church. The “clean vessel” is therefore the purified church, composed of the escaped ones the first fruits, the 144,000 — who, free from the wicked (the tares) shall then, as “the servants of our God,” bring in the second fruits, the great multitude which no man can number, out of all nations.(Tract 3, p.69-70)

What is said, “..therefore THE purified church, composed of THE escaped ones the first fruits, THE 144,000, who, free from the wicked…” cannot be controverted. The word “the” can only mean the whole.

Thus ancient Israel’s dwelling in booths typifies modern Israel’s eventually dwelling in the woods. Irrefutably, therefore, the harvest of Matthew 13 precedes the close of probation, and is the time of the ingathering of the first and second fruits — the 144,000 and the “great multitude,” — all the saints who are to be translated.(Tract 3, p.82)

We should pay close attention to what this says. There are to be two groups who are born and who never taste death– the 144,000 and the Great Multitude. Nowhere can we find any way to fit  another group –“those with” here. Again, they cannot be one “of” and cannot be part of the Great Multitude, so we cannot escape the fact that this Inspired word says they do not exist. We can come to no other conclusion here. “ALL the saints who are to be translated.”

Tract 4–

The instructions in The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p. 251, “Pay your honest tithe and offering to your church, and feel that ‘IT IS’ your Father’s house,” came near the close of 1930, before the leading brethren, as a denomination, had rejected the sealing message. Clearly, then, The Shepherd’s Rod has faithfully discharged its duty in refusing to accept any tithes or offerings until after the books were scattered throughout the denomination, and after the brethren began bitterly to oppose the message.

Now, though, since the opposition is no longer passive, but intensely active, and the proclamation of the message supremely urgent, the only course open is apparent. It will take an army of workers, including the tithes and offerings, to reach the people.

Consequently, as our leading brethren have inadvertently shown themselves unworthy stewards of God’s “storehouse” for the time of the “Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message,” He has transferred the “candlestick” and is also calling for the tithes and offerings to be transferred into “His storehouse” of Present Truth. (Tract no.4, p.66-67)

Although this reference does not address our subject, we have posted it to show an example of the Rod clearing a prior point. We see that the prior lessor light of truth is corrected and illuminated by brother Houteff, to explain why the change has come. So, as we go further we should expect this same reasoning on our subject. So far it has overwhelmingly shown no evidence for the “those with” to escape and survive the church judgment. We must therefore ask– If the Rod has shown beyond doubt to this point that there will be no others with, then can God allow His prophet to never clear the point and address the important change, as it did so in the above example? Common reasoning  and example shows we should find it somewhere as we dig deeper into further writings. (Keep in mind the court case is still on going and has not come to the final conclusion until ALL evidence is reviewed.)

This next tract (no. 9) we want to pay particularly close attention to. The “those with” believers use portions of it often as a basis of promoting the those with doctrine.

As all the books of the Bible meet and end in The Revelation, the sealing of the 144,000 must as a result find its complement in the writings of the prophets.  And as nowhere but in Ezekiel 9 is found an event analogous to that of Revelation 7, it follows that the marking and sealing are identical,  both of which are to separate the wicked from the righteous: the angels in the former, smiting all who have not the mark; the angels in the latter, hurting all who have not the seal. (See Ezekiel 9:4-6; Revelation 7:2, 3; 9:15.) (Tract 9, p.54)

Brothers and sisters, let us take in deeply what this passage just said. Ezekiel 9 church judgment results in the sealing of the 144,000 ONLY (separation of the righteous from the wicked). This cannot be controverted. Notice what it then says “..smiting ALL who have not the mark.” This is so  plain–you either get sealed or you don’t. There is NO ROOM for any others to escape except they be sealed, according to this statement.

 Plainly, then, among God’s people those who fail to receive the seal, are, in the figure of the parable, represented by “tares,” and are appointed  unto destruction, whereas those who receive the seal and who escape the destruction, are symbolized by the “wheat,” and are destined for the barn — the kingdom (Matt. 13:30). (Ibid, p.54-55)

Again, “among God’s people”. Who is this? The church. Then further confirmation is given that those who “fail to receive the seal” are destroyed. No one can interject any other people or group here apart from the 144,000, because to do so would destroy the clear meaning of God’s words.

According to Revelation 7, the 144,000 are of the twelve tribes, Israel and Judah, not of the Gentiles; also, both the marking and the slaughtering, according to Ezekiel 9, are to take place in both Israel and Judah, the church, where the harvest, judgment, commences.  And, if the judgment, asks the apostle, “first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Pet. 4:17. ( Ibid, p.55)

Here we see that Ezekiel 9 encompasses ALL the church “both Israel and Judah.” No one escapes Ezekiel 9 haphazardly , you either survive or you don’t according to these Inspired statements.  Remember the prophetess said the Seventh day Adventists are “The Israel of today” (Test. for the Church, vol.9, p.164).

To Gather a Class Defiled With Women, A Second Fruits.   This class of saints must be those who have at one time been married to some unchristian mistress, a heathen church, and who consequently are not descendants of either Jacob or the Christian  church.  So there are to be two harvests — one from the church and one from the world: the record of the former, mentions only Israelites, the 144,000, those not defiled with women, though it does not say that there may not be others; while the record of the latter, however, definitely embraces a “great multitude” from all nations which must necessarily be both of undefiled and defiled ones — Jews and Gentiles.(Ibid, p.56)

Before we discuss this passage, let us keep in mind the very clear prior texts. We cannot escape the clear conclusion that 144,000 are the only ones to survive the Ezekiel 9 church judgment.  So with this understanding we must now try and see this passage from the “writer’s point of view.” In reading this text, we first  notice the context– “A Second Fruits”. Then we see that brother Houteff says the “record of the former , mentions only Israelites, the 144,000, those not defiled with women, though it does not say that there may not be others;”

Now what does this “may not be others” mean? Again, when we read those several prior passages that leave no doubt that there is to be 144,000 only sealed from the church judgment, can we honestly think that the writer’s point of view has done a 180% turn around? He all of a sudden declares that there is to be more than 144,000 sealed from the SDA church? Brethren , we must be logical thinkers not agenda hunters.

What this authors understands is that VTH is speaking of “others” in the “Second Fruits” who may be found to been preserved and “not defiled with woman.” Could it be that among those found outside the church, there are ones that for one reason or another have keep themselves undefiled (Sabbath keepers, Commandment keepers, etc.)? These would be those who despite their own church’s error filled ways, they have kept themselves clean in their walk. This is what Inspiration appears to be telling us. Yes, there may be “others with” in this context.

What is crucial is to see it from the writer’s perspective. When we look at the clear statements from page 54-55, we conclude that only 144,000 survive. Yet, when we get to p.56, are we now to conclude that brother Houteff  quickly and surprisingly changed his understanding from the immediate the prior pages?

Tract 5–

 But now the message in The Shepherd’s Rod reveals  that the 144,000 (who are to be without guile in their mouth), the appointed number of first-fruit servants to be sealed in the church, are to be separated from the unconsecrated.  And the number to be sealed being much smaller than the number of the membership, it sadly reminds us that therein are many “tares.”(Tract 5, p.103)

Now we see that the 144,000 are the “first fruit servants to be sealed in the church.” Next notice that these are separated from the others. Where are we to put the “those with”? With the number? Of course not. With the unconsecrated? Of course not. They simply cannot exist according to this word of God. Sadly, VTH prophesies that the membership is to be much greater and the sealed to be much smaller. Sad indeed!

In speaking of our leadership , brother Houteff says,

 ..it is more ignorant of who and what are the 144,000 than it is perhaps of any other known Bible truth.  And what is still sadder, many of its teachers who are refusing to accept this “most startling revelation” (Testimonies  to Ministers, p. 445), are now insisting that a knowledge of the subject is not essential to their soul’s salvation. (Ibid, p,104)

Just as we pointed out in the beginning of this post, VTH’s for the second time reminds us that this truth (knowledge of the 144,000) is VERY IMPORTANT. Implying here that it is a salvational issue. Brethren let us study EACH AND EVERY text on this subject without ignoring what it clearly says. Then when it’s all said and done we’ll “add it up” and get the weight of evidence.

The name, Davidian, deriving from the name of the king of Ancient Israel, accrues to this Association by reason of its following aspects: First, it is dedicated to the work of announcing and bringing forth the restoration (as predicted in Hosea 1:11; 3:5) of David’s kingdom in antitype, upon the throne of which Christ, “the son of David,” is to sit. Second, it purports itself to be the first of the first fruits of the living, the vanguard from among the present-day descendants of those Jews who composed the Early Christian Church. With the emergence of this vanguard and its army, the first fruits, from which are elected the 12,000 out of each of the twelve tribes of Jacob, “the 144,000” (Rev. 14:1; 7:2-8) who stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1; 7:2-8), the reign of antitypical David begins.(Leviticus  of DSDA, p.3)

This quote we see the name “vanguard” describing the 144,000. The “election” of these first fruits are from all the tribes of Israel (twelve tribes).

The question then becomes–Is the church composed of others besides the Israelites? This obviously would be a logical argument for the ‘those with” believers. They could point out that this “vanguard” is composed of the blood line of the twelve tribes and that the others who survive are outside this linage. This is something we will have to study further.

 ...the tenth part stands for the Church which is first purified — in which the bad, the tares are separated from the good, the wheat.  Obviously, therefore, the rest of the city is in this instance a representation of the rest of the Christian world — Christendom as a whole.

   Thus the “earthquake” takes place, not throughout Christendom, but throughout the church from which is separated the firstfruits — the 144,000.  And since an earthquake is a shaking then the one in point is figurative of a shaking therein.

   Long ago through the Spirit of Prophecy (Early Writings, 270) the S.D.A. church was forewarned of this shaking.  And now in the present graphic revelation is seen its fatal end — the destruction of all who do not become affrighted and give glory to God.  Figuratively numbering seven thousand, these “slain” in the church comprehend that element which does not sigh and cry for the abominations (Ezek. 9:4),  and which as a consequence fails to receive the mark (Ezek. 9:4), or the seal (Rev. 7:3-8), of God’s approbation. 

All who compose this class are cut off, leaving the remnant who “were affrighted” — those  who have sighed and cried for the abominations, and who have consequently received the mark or the seal, and escaped the slaughter.  These are they who “shall sing for the majesty of the Lord” (Isa. 24:14) — give “glory to the God of heaven.”(Tract 5, p.113-114)

We notice that only those who “sigh and cry” get spared and survive, none others. And all those who do are sealed or marked. Both those terms are describing the same identification placed upon the 144,000. Where are the “those with”? Are they not found as “sighers and criers” as well? This statement says that all who sign and cry–get sealed.

Let us not lose sight of the above VERY IMPORTANT point. Our main concern now is that we sigh and cry for all the abominations done in the church and our life. We cannot even begin to delude ourselves in thinking we can be a candidate for one of the 144,000, unless we do first things first!

Summary–

In keeping with all the other witnesses so far, we continue to see overwhelming evidence of only 144,000 surviving the church judgment of Ezekiel 9. The clarity from the Tracts points to only one conclusion–the 144,000 and the Great Multitude are the only ones who never die and are translated.

Next week, we’ll call two more witnesses, the Symbolic Codes and the Answerer.

The 144,000 Truth (Part 3 of 7)

Now we begin our most important part of the study. We will investigate the evidence of the “restorer” of all things, the messenger of God–the Elijah prophet. The Lord chose to send us him for that very reason-restoration.

Because this subject is very deep, and at times seemingly confusing, there is the necessity of closely examining each and every pertinent point and reference to establish a “clear conception of truth.”

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(2 Tim. 2:15)

“God will not let you be deceived if you really hunger and thirst after righteousness, if you really want to know the Truth, for he is anxious that you keep up with His progressively revealed Truth.” (TG, vol. 1, no.12, p.18)

What I found particularly noteworthy in the above quote is the word “really”. Because when we discard our own prior ideas and understanding for a REAL desire to get at the Truth, inspiration says we’ll find it! Wow, now that is a truly great promise.

Before we begin we shall post this most helpful advice from the restorer.

“The most common cause of doctrinal confusion among Bible students lies in their so very frequently failing to view a subject in full perspective from the writer’s point of view, — a failing which results in their seeing it from some foreign standpoint so narrowing their view that instead of gaining the writer’s idea on the subject, they gain a false idea on it. And if the idea be to their liking, they magnify and zealously promote it as truth, whereas if it be not to their liking, they vigorously oppose it, and then lay it to the responsibility of the writer!” (Tract 3, p.91)

Here we see that we must not fall into the trap of looking at references with the idea to stretch or imagine our own views into making the quote say what it does not mean.  Often the common culprit is not looking at it in “context” as the writer intended. The paragraphs (sometimes more than one) before and after must be read unless the statement is so plain as to stand uncontroverted.

Let us not be mistaken,  this issue is very important —-

“If we do not understand the subject of the 144,000, we may not be sealed, for it would be worthless to understand it after the sealing, just as it would be of no value to understand the beast and his image after his work on earth is finished.” (SRod,  Vol. 1 p.14)

“Even as it is a blessed thing to accept the truth, so it is a fearful thing to reject it. And rejection need not include all truth. To reject a part may be just as fatal as to reject the whole. So all should beware.” (SRod, vol. 1 p.160)

“Its dominant doctrinal concern being the truth of the 144,000, and a correct understanding of it being a life-and-death matter to all, the Rod unfolds it from several different angles, each urging the Denomination to prepare for the glorious deliverance of the saints and against the inglorious destruction of the sinners as foretokened by the marking and slaying recorded in Ezekiel 9.” (SRod, tract 1, no.5)

Again, let us kneel and pray that the Lord’s Spirit of Truth guides  us into all truth. That our own ideas be put aside and that we search out this very, very important issue. Striving to keep keenly focused and see it from the “writer’s point of view.”

*************************************************************

As with anything, it’s always better to have an orderly method. Therefore we will present VTH’s quotes by the books, Tracts, TG’s and any other writings in their order.

We’ll start by reviewing the Shepherd’s Rod books, volume 1 and 2.

“Those who died under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, are sealed with the Sabbath truth, but the 144,000 never die.  While they must keep Sabbath and have that seal, they must sigh and cry for the abominations that are in the church, for otherwise they can not receive the mark by the angel with the writer’s inkhorn of Ezekiel 9, which is the seal according to Testimonies to Ministers, page 445; Volume 5, pages 210-16; Volume 3, pages 266-7. 

The sealing of the 144,000 is the separation of the faithful from the disloyal ones; the purification of the church.  Those who do not keep the truth, and indulge in the sins and abominations, who try to throw a cloak over the existing evils, will fall under the figure of the five men with the slaughter weapons of Ezekiel 9.” (SRod , vol. 1, p.28)

1) The ones sealed (144,000) are sealed because of their “sighing and crying” for the abominations done in the church.

2) There are 144,000 members “separated” from the remaining disloyal ones. This results in a “purified church”.

So this raises the questions– obviously the “those with” in the church must also be sighers and criers, and if they are, why are they not included with the 144,000? The separation results in 144,000 sealed, where are the “those with”?  They obviously have to be sighers and criers and sealed and separated as well, yes?

“This sealing of the 144,000 is not a Sabbath seal.  However, those who are sealed must be Sabbath keepers.  It is a seal, or mark, that separates the two classes in the church, and those who are sealed, or marked are not marked because they keep Sabbath only, but because they sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done in the church.” ( SRod, vol. 1, p.29) 

Here we see a very important statement. We see that there will be found two classes in the church at the time of Ezekiel 9. The ones spared are the 144,000 who have the mark or seal.

Notice that only two classes exist within the church at Ezekiel 9. To have the “those with” we must have three classes. We cannot say that the “those with ” are in either the 144,000 class or the disloyal class. We must search further to find if and where they fit in as a class. As the scroll unrolls, we shall carefully watch for later quotes to see if Inspiration changes the church into three classes.

“Those who cannot undergo the trial are laid in their grave, while 144,00 remain and will escape, but the balance in the church (now) shall perish in the ruin.” (SRod, vol. 1, p.219)

This is very clear and a big blow to the idea of “those with”. Only 144,00 “escape” and that all others “balance” perish in the ruin.

In speaking of Isaiah 61:7, brother Houteff says, “Ye” is the pronoun of the second person to whom God is speaking, and in this case refers to Israel (which is the 144,000), but the pronoun “they” refers to the Gentiles who are not numbered among the twelve tribes and therefore are not included in the 144,000, but are saved for “they” rejoice in their portion.” (SRod, vol. 1, p.39)

Here we see interesting and clear declarations. First, we see that the 144,000 are twelve tribes of Israel. This would obviously indicate a “full house” because Israel of old consisted of a total of twelve tribes. Second the “Gentiles” are not numbered or included in the house of Israel, the 144,000 ( the church).

For further confirmation that the 144,000 is “the church” we read–

Though such great apostasy and blasphemy has gripped the world, God’s church, 144,000 in number, scattered throughout the length and breadth of the earth without a shepherd, have not bowed a knee to Baal.  While Laodiceans are shaken out (spued) by destruction, God takes charge of the flock Himself.  Thus, the church and the message will triumph to the victory. (SRod, vol.1. p.222)

This leaves the idea of ‘those with” is a state of limbo. If the “church” has more than 144,000 that survive, why is it shown to compromise only 144,000 in number? Also if those with are to be with the 144,000 haven’t they refrained from bowing a knee to Baal as well? We come back to the question–why are they not worthy to be among the 144,000?

Speaking of Ezekiel 9, we read, “On this Scripture was the message based, prophetically declaring, that 144,000 will be marked, and the balance now in the church must suffer the consequences except they repent and march on with the truth of God.” (SRod, vol.2, p.279) 

Confirmation of only 144,000 getting marked, and the balance in the church “suffer the consequences”.

“The living saints, 144,000 in number;” we must not conclude that only a part of the whole can constitute the number and yet be true, for the statement made by Inspiration cannot be contradicted for it reads “144,000 in number.”(SRod, vol.1, p.22)

  “Those who are sealed (marked) and escape the ruin are the ones who will constitute the number which prophecy declares to be 144,000.”(Ibid, p.30)

We are starting to see clear evidence in the SRod volumes of the ones who escape and survive–144,000.

Describing Isaiah chapter 61, we read, “The first verse and part of the second apply to Christ Himself at the beginning of His ministry.  The Spirit of Prophecy says it will repeat itself with the people of God.  This would find its fulfillment in the time of harvest, with the 144,000 (those who escape the ruin of Isaiah 59, and 63), by whose effort the great multitude of Rev. 7:9, is made.” (SRod, vol. 1, p.153)

We see that the ones who escape the ruin of Ezekiel 9 is –144,000. Now, we cannot deny that the “those with” must escape if there are to be such a group among the 144,000. But no mention of them (?).

As the prophetic word of God says, “All the world wondered after the beast” (worldliness), and not after the head (papacy), it denotes that they have wondered after the world and not after Catholicism.  Out of this great apostasy the message of Revelation 7:1-8, will seal and save 144,000 saints, from the S.D.A. church who shall never taste death. (SRod, vol.2, p.107)

How many are sealed and saved from “the SDA church”, who shall never taste death? Only 144,000. Too clear to miss.

 “As God called out Israel from Egypt anciently, just so now, God is calling His church out from worldlings and worldliness, to be a separate, peculiar people to His honor and glory.  This does not mean another movement, but it does mean that God is to deal with the entire body, and those who escape are Israel, the 144,000.” ( SRod, vol. 1, p.107)

Ah, this one is very solid. Notice that God deals with the “entire body”. The complete church is those who escape, and are known as “Israel, the 144,000.”

“In Revelation 14:4, speaking of the 144,000 we read, “They are the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.”  Therefore, it is evident that in the purification or separation of the tares from the wheat in the church of God, there shall be 144,000 who have confessed their sins; and are thus made white and clean by the precious blood of Christ, for they are “the first fruits.”(SRod, vol. 2, p.164)

“In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.  And it shall come to pass, That he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem.'” — “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 5, page 476.  Thus the 144,000 are those who are sealed in the judgment for the church, and with them the judgment for the living commenced.  Therefore, they are the first fruits. (SRod, vol.2, p.165)

This is again, very solid. Inspiration says that 144,00 are sealed in the church judgment. The statement “”that in the purification or separation  of the tares from the wheat in the church of God, there shall be 144,000 who have confessed their sins…” cannot be made clearer. Now, are we to think that there are others sealed and judged to escape apart from  the 144,000? Obviously that is not hinted, implied or stated in any fashion here.

“This experience of the Israelites [in departing from Egypt] was written for the instruction of those who should live in the last days.  Before the overflowing scourge shall come upon the dwellers of the earth, the Lord calls upon all who are Israelites indeed to prepare for that event.” Volume 6, page 195.  The twelve tribes of Israel after the flesh are but a type of Israel by the promise (the 144,000).  As there were Gentiles among Israel (the type), there would be Gentiles in Israel the true.(SRod, vol. 1, p.64)

Here we find the first possible quote that would indicate another group, that is to be “in Israel” in departing for the kingdom (from Egypt).However, the true context is noted that this departure occurred after Passover. When was “Gentiles among Israel” in the departure? Before or after Ezekiel 9? Of course it was after. We note that Inspiration is telling us that after Ezekiel 9 happens, just as in type, Gentiles will join with Israel (144,000) and go to the kingdom.

Let’s follow this chapter (Who is Israel by the Promise?) further to page 71.

“The Egyptians can not represent anything else but the Gentiles  in the days of the Apostles. The Gentiles came to the church (Pharaoh) where they were told to go to Joesph (Christ). “What he saith to you, do”. That is, the church, in her purity, without one strange thing in the midst, directed the Gentiles to Christ as their life giver, as Pharaoh directed the Egyptians to Joesph.”

The above fortifies that Gentiles will be among God’s “pure” church and that can only be AFTER  anti-typical “Passover.” So clearly in “type” the Gentiles joined the church after her purity. The “Israel by Promise” is describing the future church which includes both Israelites and Gentiles.

Lastly, we have this —

The remnant of Israel must be something else than what we have thought it to be for “remnant” is a small portion, or part which is left after a destruction.  The destruction is the mighty shaking, sifting time which is the separation of the two classes in the church (the sealing of the 144,000) as prophesied in Ezekiel 9, and Isaiah 63.  Those who escape are the “remnant.”(SRod, vol. 1, p.102)

We see only ” two classes” are in the church. “But wait” the those with yell, “There are really three classes”. No my brethren we are not to insert, change, add to, imagine, make believe, etc, anything other than what God’s word says. ONLY two classes–144,000 and those who fall in the separation. NOTE: some believe (including this author) that not every single tare will be destroyed in the slaughter, but a few may survive to see the terrible consequences of their fighting the Lord’s Rod message. Thus they will experience even more pain and suffering then had they been eliminated at once — (See the parable of the 10 virgins).

Note: For a thorough explanation on the 144,000 see SRod, volume 2, p. 163-173) http://shepherds-rod.org/SRbooks/SR2pg163.htm

—————– Summary————–

In our first study of the Rod, we find overwhelming evidence, 11 references to 1, of clear and unambiguous statements showing only 144,000 as marked/sealed and escaped,  among God’s church from Ezekiel 9 church judgment.

The 144,000 Truth (Part 2 of 7)

As we begin our second session we’ll call two witnesses– Bonnie Smith and Ellen White. Sister Bonnie Smith is one of the few remaining original members of  Mt. Carmel center. As far as known she is the only living member who was there in the mid 30’s. Brother Don Adair came onto the scene in the early 50’s.

Last week I spoke to the 84-year-old “Grandmother” of the message–Bonnie Smith. She actually lived on the camp for many years and was very well acquainted with brother Houteff. She was 26 when brother Houteff died. So she was around him much of her youth and 20’s. She was a keen student, learning from the prophet himself.

So obviously I wanted to get her experience of what VTH taught in regard to the “those with” issue. She gave me some history as well as her own experience. First, she said that the current “those with” teachings promoted by a leader among Davidia (Don Adair) originated with a student of brother Houteff –M.J  Bingham. As many of us know he was also one of the original members of the camp.

Who was this M.J Bingham in relations to Victor Houteff? Let’s search a little background history on Mr. Bingham, the original proponent of the Adair “those with” teachings .

Originally Bingham was well received in the camp. Brother Houteff had made him part of the “Executive Council” as published in the DSDA fundamental beliefs in 1943. And even more, he was the assistant editor to VTH. Obviously much trust and dependence was placed upon him by the prophet himself.

But things started to take a drastic turn in 1944. According to sister Bonnie, apparently Bingham got into some serious temptation issues with some young women while on the camp.  He was found bearing some bad fruit. She said that in 1944 brother Houteff made it publicly known that Bingham’s wife was free to re-marry but he was not. This was posted upon a public chalk board on the camp. After this Bingham was not well received within the camp. In fact, he was removed from the camp in 1944.

But later, apparently, VTH and Mr. Bingham had made amends, because brother Houteff mentions him in the Symbolic Codes of 1954. He indicates that Mr. Bingham was working on converts from the Bahamas.

So this “those with” teachings, according to the living eye-witness, came from and originated from M.J. Bingham.  However, Bingham did not teach his interpretations until after VTH’s death.

Fast forward to brother Houteff’s death in 1955. Soon after this, sister Bonnie said that Bingham began to teach his version of  VTH’s writings on the “those with” issue. From there Bingham’s teachings soon spread to another living member–Don Adair. Adair was purportedly a student of Bingham’s.

Don soon began to widely promote this teaching.  He subsequently expanded further upon Bingham’s views. This issue soon became paramount to Adair, and he began his well-known saga with the Mountain Dale/Waco groups. This issue was also the primary issue that caused the Mountain Dale group to split its ties with Adair’s Salem organization.

After learning some history, I inquired as to what sister Bonnie herself heard or knew about this issue while on the camp. She said, “I never heard brother Houteff once talk about the ‘those with’  issue as was taught by Bingham..”

Bingham’s basic theory was that after Ezekiel 9 church judgment, there will be other SDA members that survive, and that they will join the 144,000 and go into the kingdom. Numerous VTH quotes will follow that show why Bingham taught this interpretation.

Ok, to summarize our first witness. We see that this “those with” issue was not expounded upon during brother Houteff’s live addresses, only what was written. And that sister Bonnie Smith disagree’s with  Bingham’s theory and interpretations, because she saw or heard no evidence of  VTH purporting the idea of others besides the 144,000  living and escaping the Ezekiel 9 judgment from the SDA church.

First witness conclusion –“Those with” teaching of others within the SDA church surviving the Ezekiel 9 church purification — Denied by Bonnie Smith.

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Next up, our beloved prophetess–Ellen G. White.

We thank God that he sent this woman. She gave us so much clear and unmistakable inspired writings on many, many subjects.

The very first vision she had was concerning our topic of the 144,000. Now, let us  ask- Since God gave her that very first vision, is it not something of extreme importance? It obviously is important as God chose this issue as His “leading out” issue. She received from on High the following instruction about this vision, “Make known to others what I have revealed to you.” (EW, p.20)

As many of us are aware she fell into vision while praying at the “family altar” of a friends house. Let us look at the vision and quote the areas  that address our issue.

“I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, “Look again and look a little higher.” At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path.”

“The living saints, 144,00 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and a earthquake.”

“The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their forehead was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious start containing Jesus’ new name.”(EW, p.14-15)

Let us review the above statements. First we notice she sees  ” the Advent people”. Now, we must conclude that God let her see all the Advent people, yes? Other wise He would have had her say, “some of the Advent people” or similar statement . The word “the” indicates the whole. Why is this important? Because for identification purposes we need to know who she saw exactly.

We see that of the Advent people only 144,000 “understood the voice”. The others are termed “wicked” and fell off the straight and narrow path.

Now a fair question to ask is– Where are “those with”? Would it not have been made clear in that vision that others remained on that path to the Holy City? For instance,  we know that the “those with” would have to know and understand the voice, yes? But as we see, only 144,000 of  “the Advent people” knew the voice.

And since she saw this group, this leaves no doubt that she sees the end time Advent people (our people).

Let us never lose track of the fact that God is very particular and detailed. When we pick a flower and observe it closely, we see such fine detail. How much more is God going to be detailed in His word as brought by His prophets and prophetess? Each word must be observed and understood. Each specific word means something and is not lost upon God’s all-seeing purpose.

Her next quote — “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others to gain heaven.”–(Review and Herald, March 9, 1905.)

What we see here is that we as Adventists are to focus on an important goal– to be among the 144,000. Obviously we are told to strive , not part way, but with ALL POWER that God has given us to be one of this group. This statement leaves no doubt that this issue is extremely important to us as Adventists.

Some may say she was talking to her own people in her day. However, while this is true we must also remember that she spoke this counsel more for us.

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us.”(Selected messages, vol. 3, p.338) 

Obviously the Lord does not change (Mal. 3:6), so we known Ellen White continued this prophet creed. Furthermore, that statement can only apply to those living in the time of the end (sealing of the 144,000).

 “It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually,
such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.” (Selected Messages, vol. 1, p.174)

This quote is often used by our brethren in the S.D.A church to justify not talking about the 144,000. However, we know that is not what she is saying here. She intends to tell us that we are not to say “who is or is not” one of the 144,000. Obviously if we are told to “strive with all power God has given us to be among the 144,000” then we could not possibly  strive to be a part of something we know nothing about.

What we find interesting is the last sentence — “This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.” Could it be that those now alive sense beyond doubt that they are to be a part of this group? Or is this making reference to after Ezekiel 9? If it’s the latter, then that presents a quandary. Because after Ezekiel 9, if there are “those with” who survive the judgment, then who will know who is one of the 144,000 and one of “those with”? Will there be a tag on them? A mark on their forehead?  

 “I begged of my attending angel to let me remain in that place. I could not bear the thought of coming back to this dark world again. Then the angel said, ‘You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God.'”—Early Writings, pp. 39, 40.

Ah, this is very telling. We see that we now know, notwithstanding any other view we may discover later,  that the “those with” shall include the special resurrected ones such as Ellen White. The Elijah, brother Houteff, God willing, will be included in this group as well.

In speaking  about a “Mrs. Hastings” the prophetess said, “I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good.” (2 Selected Messages, p.263).

Here we see that she identifies another person as being with the 144,000. So it now becomes clear that those whom are resurrected in the Special Resurrection will compromise the “those with”. That is not to rule out there may be others. This , we will have to discover as the witnesses testify and the court case moves along.

“At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land.  But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. {5T 209.3} The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger,He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them.” (Testimones, vol. 5, p.209-210)

Notice the key words, “little company” and “faithful few” and “His own elect”. These “few” will be found sighing and crying in the “church”. This can only point to the prophesied Ezekiel 9 church judgment time. 

To finish up the Spirit of Prophecy witness, let us look at a quote we found applicable.

  “Only those who have withstood and overcome temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming this message when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry.” — “Review and Herald,” Nov. 19, 1908.

While this does not specifically address our issue , it does so indirectly. Notice that all those who survive the Ezekiel church judgment have to be found “overcomers”, to be without spot or stain. This establishes the fact that anyone that survives after Ezek. 9 in the SDA church are overcomers. This obviously has to include the so-called “those with”. But, if that is the case, why aren’t they found to be among the 144,000?

This is one of the great issues we have to solve. Why are the “those with” found good enough to “escape” yet not worthy of being God’s elect, the 144,000?

There are some other statements on the 144,000 (from EGW) but we don’t find them addressing our issue. If anyone has something that is pertinent please feel free to post in the comment section below.

Summary — Spirit of Prophecy does not indicate in any of the writings a company known as “those with” except the Special Resurrected ones.

Next up — Victor T. Houteff.

The 144,000 Truth (Part 1 of 7)

(Note: All Inspired references will be in italics.)

Recently a close brother of mine (in the faith) came and asked me to look deeper into the 144,000 issue. He raised the point that it appears that the Rod teaches clearly that there will be “those with” that escape and survive alongside the 144,000.

This author came into this message several years ago, when he listened to brother Matthew’s “The 144,000, who are they?” audio CD. The most striking thing that made me believe that this message from the Lord, was the fact that soon the judgment for the living will begin in God’s house (1 Peter 4:17). And that the surviving company will be the 144,000. This was lodged deep into my soul and understanding. It all made perfect sense.

I later came upon a study put out by one of the original members of the camp at Mt. Carmel (brother Don Adair), that said that when Ezekiel 9 church judgment comes, there will be some spared in addition to the 144,000 that will survive this solemn event. His claims were based on several references from brother Houteff.

This report was in-depth with many references attempting to “prove” that this doctrine of “those with” was true. I read it all the way through. Then I discovered that it had been refuted by another party, brother Anthony Hibbert from Mountain Dale DSDA organization. So I had point and counter point reports before me. Now, it was left for me to bow down in prayer, to ask the Lord to help guide me “into all truth” (John 16:13). This I did.

But now again I see that I must review this issue. The brother that requested I look at this issue, is someone I value as very knowledgeable and experienced. Our Lord works deeply and mysteriously, so there is a reason that this issue must be again studied. This time, in a more thorough and wider look.

So let’s now look at this issue much as a judge would do. Let’s look at ALL the evidence and weigh it ALL out. In a courtroom, each and every point  and reference is carefully examined. Same shall be with this report. The 144,000 and those with issue is on trial.

Just as in the courtroom , the final decision will be based on a “preponderance” of the evidence. In other words, the weight of evidence is what we will and must go by.

If we find evidence 2 to 1 for a certain position we cannot say the less supported position is the right position because Inspiration says the opposite. if we attempt to do this , it proves that the weight of truth is not what we want, rather it’s our own agenda and ideas we want.

This “courtroom” analogy is obviously a general term as we will analyze the individual referneces one by one, and unlike a real court, we’ll give our opinions of what is said as the case evolves.

The issue is–  Are there only 144,000  who survive the church judgment of Ezekiel 9, or are there 144,000 and those with, who survive?

Spirit of Prophecy counsels us–

“God will never remove every occasion for doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to  base faith, and if this is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p.432)

“The unbelief that demands perfect knowledge will never yield to the evidence that God is pleased to give. He requires of His people, faith that rests upon the weight of evidence, not upon perfect knowledge…It requires discernment to distinguish the voice of God.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.258).

“Men, women, and youth, God requires you to possess moral courage, steadiness of purpose, fortitude and perseverance, minds that cannot take the assertions of another, but which will investigate for themselves before receiving or rejecting, that will study and weight evidence, and to take it to the Lord in prayer.(Testimonies, vol. 2, p.130)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

“Hold not to what fabricated ideas seem to make Scripture say, but grip  tenaciously to what the word, in simplicity, plainly says.” (Tract 10, p.13)

So let us now kneel in prayer. Ask the Lord to guide us into all truth. Give us discernment to know that which is truth and that which is not.

Ok, let us begin this most important study.

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We shall first start with Scripture. Because of this most basic word of God concerning His church judgment, we shall start with Ezekiel 9.

“He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, ‘Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with  his destroying weapon in his hand.’

And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had  the writer’s inkhorn by his side;

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is  the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were  before the house.

And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?

Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.

And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. (Ezek. 9:1-10)

First we see that those that survive are the ones that are sealed “marked”. No others in the church (Israel and Judah) are to survive. Second, that the destruction is vast and Ezekiel thinks that almost everybody is killed “Ah Lord! Wilt thou destroy ALL the residue of Israel..”

Point 1- The ones who survive the church judgment have to be sealed.

Point 2- They have to be “sighers and criers” of the sins done in the midst (Church and themselves).

Point 3- Those destroyed were quite a large amount, and only the sealed residue remain.

On this last point let’s look at supporting Inspiration.

 “With the city thus purged of sin and sinners, and none but the “residue,” the righteous, remaining..” (Tract 1. p.38)

“It is positive that the sealing of the 144,000 is Ezekiel 9–the separation (sifting in the church–the godly from the ungodly).”(SRod, vol. 1, p.27) 

In these quotes we see that after Ezekiel 9, only the righteous  and holy remain among God’s people. The question that must be asked is — if only the righteous holy remain, then obviously the “those with” must be righteous and holy. And if they are righteous and holy, why are they not included among the 144,000, who are also righteous and holy?

In confirming that the large amount of members within the SDA won’t be found righteous we read–

“In concluding this narrative, I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world.” (Testimonies, vol 1, p.608-609)

How many get sealed from the whole house of Israel?  144,000.

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of ALL the tribes of the children of Israel.” (Rev. 7:4)

In Testimonies to Ministers, page 445, the  Spirit of Prophecy declares a startling announcement. That the sealing of Rev.7 and Ezekiel 9 is one and the same. When we look at Ezekiel 9 we know that, because Rev. 7 says only 144,000 are sealed,  the surviving marked ones cannot be anything else but the 144,000. Remember they are the same event.

Let’s address who exactly is the “Israel” of today? SOP gives us clear and unmistakable evidence.

“In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh-day Adventists must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The Lord has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves before Him, and cleanse the soul-temple from all defilement, He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick and will bless in the use of His remedies for disease.” (Testimonies, vol.9, p.164)

“He sounds the note of warning and reproves sin just as faithfully  as in the days of Jeremiah. But the Israel of our time have the same temptations to scorn reproof and hate counsel as had ancient Israel.” (Testimonies, vol.4, p.165)

“There is a limit beyond which He will no longer delay His judgments. The desolation of Jerusalem stand as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel, that corrections given through His chosen instruments cannot be disregarded with impunity (Ibid, p.166)

The facts are clear. Inspiration calls us — the Seventh Day Adventist church–the ISRAEL of today. This means that we are the “whole” house of Israel, the twelve tribes.

SOP never makes any other statement to believe otherwise. For instance no statements such as we are “part Israel” or “nearly all Israel” or any such thing. We must stay with what is written.

Summary so far– We see that from the SDA church (the twelve tribes) there shall be 144,000 servants of God sealed. Now, if “those with” are also sealed, they do not appear mentioned in Rev.7. We also know that all who are the sealed residue of Israel will have to be found righteous law-abiding people, without spot or wrinkle.(Testimonies, vol. 5, p.214)

Our first puzzling questions we will have to solve is-

Why are the righteous “those with”,  not mentioned as sealed?

Or as “servants of God”?

Are they not a member of one of the twelve tribes(SDA church)?

And if they survive they are surely not sinners, then why not be allowed a part of His 144,000 servants?

Hopefully we’ll find answers as we go.

(To be continued in part 2)

Stand at Our Post

Recently we received an email which is, most likely, all too common in the beliefs of those within the SDA. Mother and the laity are asking questions, they are searching. Because these are great and timely concerns, we’d like to post this and give some “Thus saith the Lord” responses.

“Thank you so much brother rob, to be new in the Adventist faith just like me its a struggle, I remember 2012 while I was still in modern revivals Sunday worship we did not have strife like these I don’t know which way to go.

Anyway early last year I was introduce to an Adventist faith to know more about Sabbath, then suddenly when I come in to join the Adventist faith I have encounter two movements within a movement, SDA & DSDA even worse so much is happening inside the Davidians we have got Salem, Upa7, Mountaindale, and Waco texas which is regarded as the true headquarters and true original shepherds rod publication is found for all Timely greetings reference its Waco Texas. Then you find so called the Branch Davidian. …I’m so confuse at this state I don’t even know were to start . I wish I had all material of the shepherds rod to read all that it contain inside.
Yours in Christ.”

(Author withheld for privacy reasons)

First, we noticed that this man is really on the “advanced” path. To be just a beginner SDA about a year ago, and now pursuing the Lord’s Rod teachings is akin to going from the 9th grade to an accredited first class university!

The Lord gives us promises. When we pick up the cross and live daily to do His will, we are then promised to know His true doctrines (teachings) (See John 7:17). As we stay on this road we are then promised to be “guided into all truth” (John16:13).  What great assurances!

So we see that because this man is searching, we must  “..be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..”(1 Peter 3:15).

Yes, our brother is correct, there is much happening “inside the Davidians.” The headquarters issue is just one of the ongoing issues that often separate the brethren. Let us look into this issue.

Brother Houteff makes clear the issue of whether it is necessary to have a formal membership within an organization to be considered a true “Davidian”.

WHAT IDENTIFIES ONE AS A DAVIDIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST?

Question No. 150:

   As the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association does not have a formal membership what evidence can one give to identify himself as a member of the organization? And how can he establish the length of time he has been with it?

Answer:

   One’s support of the timely Davidian message, and his living out its principles (baptism, Sabbath observance along with the rest of the ten commandments, vegetarianism, dress reform total abstinence from tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and all else contained in the Spirit of Prophecy), are the truest witnesses of his affiliation, and the only genuine visible certification of the fact. These are the only absolutely convincing evidences of one’s worthiness to membership in the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association.

 Just how long one has been a member of the Association depends entirely upon how long one has known and lived these principles.

   To those who make request, the Association will send an application blank for Fellowship. If the applicant is unable to comply in full with all the requirements of the message, then to his  application he must attach a satisfactory  statement of explanation. Otherwise a Certificate of Fellowship cannot be granted. (Answerer, vol. 5, question 150)

Then we have Spirit of prophecy’s answer, ” No need to depend on sanction of any Minister or any people to do God’s work, God will vindicate you.” Test. for the Church , vol. 7, p.25)

So let us not think that we must join a group or organization to be recognized as a Elijah messenger (Davidian). Sure there are some advantages to joining one  and some should seriously consider doing so if you  are of the persuasion that help and support from the brethren is required. In order to decide which group is right for you, we’d suggest you research their teachings and compare them to the original Rod. And of course –pray and then wait on His answer.

Also, it’s very important to note that the “Spirit of Christ” should be shown. If one group lam-blasts the others and says things that basically say ” We’re the ONLY group teaching the original Rod, all others are lost.” Then you can be assured they have mounted the judgment seat and as such declared what is God’s duty–judgment.

In regards to the “Branch Davidians”, the issue is also clear. Once a truth seeker studies their doctrines, they soon find out that much “adding and subtracting” to the original DSDA teachings is done. The keeping of feast days, the Holy Spirit as a female entity , and other divergent teachings are surely “strange doctrines” not supported by Scripture, SOP or Shepherd’s Rod teachings.

The brother has reached out with “confusion” and therefore needs help. As we are  “standing at our post” the best thing we can do is supply him with all the original tracts, literature, Cd’s and Dvd’s containing the original message. It will be the “Spirit of Truth” that must guide him from there. We help set the table (provide the truths) and it is up to him to eat (read and believe).

Brother Houteff said, “Brethren, start studying for yourselves, and if you are really a seeker of Truth, hungering, and thirsting after righteousness, God will give you by His Spirit the right understanding of His Truth for this time. he will not leave you ignorant of it. His promises never fail and His enemies never win.” (Jezreel Letter, no. 7, p.53)

One last thing in regards to  standing at our post. One serious wrong that is often seen by those proclaiming to be “11th hour” messengers, is the slow responses to a brother or sister who inquires of us. Let us dare not call ourselves a “servant of the Lord” if we ignore our brethren. Timely responses show we care.  The Scripture says, “Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you” (Matt. 7:12). And ““And he among you who wants to be the first will be a servant to all.”(Mark 10:44).

Let each of us in these final probationary hours — Stand at our Post –ready for duty.

 

The 144,000 Revisited

 As we approach the final days of probation for us as Adventist people, we thought it’d be good to look at one of the primary issues that we as Elijah messengers proclaim–the final sealed ones of God, the 144,000.

In Early Writings, pages 14-20, we know that the prophetess was given her very first vision. The picture above shows her vision. It’s important to note that our Lord started His work with this specific vision. Why? There can be only one reason– IT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Let us give you a personal history in regards to this issue. Before this author became aware of the Elijah message, he occasionally mentioned or discussed the 144,000 issue. And so was curious about them. But being not really sealed in the forehead with the “sealing message” of Elijah, he took the view that, this number is symbolic.

Listening to people like Doug Bacthelor, Mark Finely, and other SDA leaders, the symbolic idea made sense. But deep down inside it HAD TO make sense because God forbid, there would be only 144,000 that are sealed from the SDA church.

But after learning and accepting the message a slow change came about. At first the truth struck powerfully. Then as time went by a metamorphosis came. You see once we understand the truth in this regard, we go from saying, “No, the 144,000 is not literal but only symbolic because for the obvious reason that with nearly 20 million SDA around the world, it is preposterous to think this.”  To, ” Lord is there really going to be that many?”

Wow, what a change in perspective! Why? Because as we understand the message a change comes over our lives and we begin to really convert to the Lord. A real “born again” process comes. We see sin as He sees it.

So why is it that there are so few? We can look to history of God’s dealing with the people for an example of His past ways. First, we know, “For I am the Lord, I do not change..” (Mal. 3:6). So his dealings with us as the SDA church will be the same as His dealings in times past.

From Noah’s day, how many were saved? Eight people.

From the exodus from Egypt, how many were saved of adults over 20? Two people.

Right now the Lord is searching His SDA people so closely.   “.. I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The LORD will not do good, nor will he do evil.’ (Zeph. 1:12)

We must examine ourselves closely and remove the “spots or stains”. Ellen White says —

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.”(Test. for the Church, vol. 5,p.214)

Here we see that in order to be found worthy of receiving the “latter rain”, we must not have “one spot or stain upon” us. That means any repetitive sin must be dealt with firmly and eliminated. If we don’t do this, it becomes a spot or stain on our soul. Our prayer, trust,  and faith in the Lord to overcome becomes paramount!

The Lord makes many promises to the 144,000. But if great things are to be accomplished through His servants, can He depend on those who have not “overcome”?

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son.” (Rev.21:7)

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” He feels that he is the purchase of the blood of Christ and bound by the most solemn vows to glorify God in his body and in his spirit, which are God’s. The love of sin and the love of self are subdued in him. He daily asks: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” The true Christian will never complain that the yoke of Christ is galling to the neck. He accounts the service of Jesus as the truest freedom.

The law of God is his delight. Instead of seeking to bring down the divine commands, to accord with his deficiencies, he is constantly striving to rise to the level of their perfection. Such an experience must be ours if we would be prepared to stand in the day of God. (Test. for the Church, p.220)

My brethren,  to be a candidate to be among the 144,000 we have to have courage. Isn’t this Elijah message one of solemn and straight things? Therefore to proclaim it requires us to step out of our comfort zone.

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”(Revelation 21:7)

One thing that stands out here is the very first description of those who don’t make the kingdom–cowardly. If we think about this, could it be that the Lord knew that the Elijah messengers mustn’t shrink back from proclaiming the message because they are afraid?

We can’t think, “Oh the people will not like me if I tell them the straight testimony, I better keep it to myself.” This is exactly what we are told NOT to do!

In closing, the Lord has pulled out all stops and is reaching out greatly in these very last hours to save us. Will we respond? Let us step forward and do our part. Amen.

“Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others to gain heaven.”—Review and Herald, March 9, 1905.

Hold Fast That Which is Good

In the final closing hours before the King silently steps into all His SDA churches worldwide, to begin the “Judgement for the living”,  the enemy is working ever which way to distract us and God forbid–deceive us.

From our vantage point in our particular place in time, we can certainly see efforts to counter our Lord’s FINAL message to His church. These efforts are coming through the enemy’s old tried and true method–human agencies.

Recently we were contacted by someone who said we MUST learn the Lord’s message of “the mustard seed”.   When we said give us some Scriptural evidence that point to this prophet to come that will “revealeth this secret”(Amos 3:7) , he proceeded to give us many quotes. But thankfully the “Spirit of Truth” is guiding and we could see right through the smoke screen. All the quotes were gross mis-interpretations. Not one  plain “thus saith the Lord”.

We pointed out that if their particular messenger, which they claimed is an inspired prophet of God, was to come, surely the Lord would reveal this secret through His prophets in the sacred Scriptures. To this they can only squirm and twist, as NO SUCH prediction exists in Scripture.

Then because we refused to read his message, which he said we must have to know God’s last message of salvation, he promptly labeled us “dishonest”.

Some may ask? How come Ellen White is not specifically  mentioned to come in the last day? There is much we could respond on this but will consolidate it here. She never claimed herself a “prophet” or “prophetess”. And as the Lord claimed one LAST “prophet” to come (Mal. 4:5- Elijah) we can see that obviously her message was to be quite different in nature and scope. Ellen White explains,

“Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. . . . Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?—Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word ‘prophet’ signifies. . . . To claim to be a prophetess is something that I have never done. If others call me by that name, I have no controversy with them. But my work has covered so many lines that I can not call myself other than a messenger.” (Review and Herald , July 26,1906)

And further we know that she passed the Biblical tests,  ministering through her spiritual gift for 70 years. From 1844, when she was 17, until 1915—the year of her death—she had more than 2, 000 visions. During that time she lived and worked in America, Europe, and Australia, counseling, establishing new work, preaching, and writing.

We as SDA  know that her writings are known as the “Spirit of Prophecy”.  “Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”(Rev. 19:10). In the truest sense Ellen White bore great testimony of Jesus. The material that she wrote fills more than 80 books, 200 tracts and pamphlets, and 4, 600 periodical articles. Sermons, diaries, special testimonies, and letters comprise another 60, 000 pages of manuscript materials.

Then we have a man from the Philippines who, we dare say is much more deceived and promoting a more deceitful message. Why? Because it has the Lord’s Rod message sprinkled with private interpretations. The man claims, although ever so slyly, that HE is the final messenger of God. We must listen to his message in order to be right and ready for the Lord.

Again, we ask where is this “other” last prophet prophesied in His holy Scriptures? Answer- NOWHERE. What’s worse is this particular man has a history of false predictions! Thankfully, his followers are few despite his active efforts of self-promotion.

What this all leads to is that we must be grounded in the Lord’s last prophet, Victor T. Houteff. We shall look at this from inspired proof.

What message is the last message, and who gives it?

“…Elijah’s message and movement will be the only God-sent ones, the only ones to fear, to love, to stand by, to live or to die for. No, there will be no other shield when heaven opens and the storm breaks in all its dread fury upon the world, to unavoidably pour down its lethal lightning from the skies.” (GCS p.9)

“..the Judgment for the Living is the last message..”(Jezreel Letter,no.2, p.11)

“Prophecy must be fulfilled.  The Lord says: ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.’  Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: ‘You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way.  Let me tell you how to teach your message.'” — “Testimonies to Ministers,” pp. 475, 476.

   There are two main points to note in these quotations: (1) that the message and messenger here mentioned are the very last; (2) that they are to restore all things, (3) that there is danger for some to make fools of themselves by daring to tell him how to teach his message — assuming to take God’s place!”  (Jezreel Letter no.9, p.1)

“Plainly, the message of Elijah shall restore all things in the great and dreadful day of the Lord, the day of restitution, the day the Lord comes to His temple, the Church.”(2 TG, no. p.3)

“The promise, itself, moreover, is for only one, not for more, and, with but one exception, we know not of any other time when God employed even two prophets (let alone many) at one time, to convey one message to one people.  He invariably called one, and that one himself, under the direction of the Spirit, employed others to help him take the message to the people.  Thus only were any others ever identified with a called one.”(GCS p.23)

So from these quotes there is no doubt that the message of Elijah is to be the LAST message to His church. Anyone who comes to us with the claim that they believe that brother Houteff was a prophet, yet at the same time ignore or sidestep these clear and unmistakable words, are being deceptive. If they say they or their leader have another message to give then by point of reason address the following:

1) Ask how can they accept VTH as a prophet and yet deny his words as above? “that the messenger and message here mentioned is the very last“.

2) If they have another message to give, ask for the Scriptures that reveal the prophet to come that is to give it. Remember the Scriptures were written for the simple man or woman, ask for the clear word pointing to that coming prophet.

3) Ask for SOP references as well. Where does EGW say that another, other than Elijah is to come? Don’t accept vague non-specific references. These vague quotes are exactly the ones they like to twist into something that isn’t there.

4) If they cannot  show and explain in plain “thus saith the Lord” with clear Scripture of their prophet to come, then forget about this message of theirs and –RUN!

The enemy is pulling out all stops now and one of his big ploys is to get us to sidestep the plain and straight words from His prophets. They claim that the obvious meaning is not what it means!

Ellen White uncovers this sneaky ploy and says —

“Some have thought it an evidence of intellectual keenness and superiority to perplex minds in regard to what is truth. They resort to subtlety of argument, to playing upon words; they take unjust advantage in asking questions. When their questions have been fairly answered, they will turn the subject (and) bring up another point to avoid acknowledging the truth.” (Test. to Ministers, p.108-109)

“The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers.” (Great Controversy, p.598)

“The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed.” (Ibid, p.599)

Lastly, in Tract 9, brother Houteff says,     “1.When the time of the “tares” “the children  of the wicked one” (Matt. 13:18), is come to its full, then will commence “the harvest,” and it will bring “the end of this world.” Matt. 13:30, 40.  Taking place in the end of the world, it perforce is the gathering of the people by Elijah’s message, the last Heaven-sent  proclamation of the gospel, which is preached first to the church just before the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Mal. 4:5), and then to all the world during that long-expected day.”

To the usurpers we should ask, “If you believe that brother Houteff was a prophet of the Lord, and as he himself said that he was to give the Elijah message, then what message is it that you bring? ”

Their message cannot be an inspired message for us today because the last message is ONLY the Elijah message as said above “the LAST-Heaven sent proclamation of the gospel” both to the church then to the world.

The sad fact is that these claimants to the prophetic office aren’t bringing us “meat in due season”, it’s ONLY the Elijah prophesied,  who is to do that.

Beware brethren, your crown is too precious to carelessly throw away and bite on the false bait hook that some of Satan’s henchmen are tossing about today–be strong and diligent unto prayer to our King and Lord!